Lower Main Street Now A No-Stopping Zone

The Town of North Hempstead adopted an ordinance to eliminate nine parking spaces that line both sides of lower Main Street, despite the opposition of many Port Washington business owners and residents.

Town officials said the removal of these metered parking spots would make room for a turning lane from Main Street onto Shore Road. The ordinance will also turn the busy street into a no-stopping zone.

Although Councilman Fred Pollack voted for the measure, he called the intersection at Main Street and Shore Road "one of the worst intersections in town and certainly the worst in Port Washington." Pollack added that a property on the corner of Main and Jackson streets will soon be turned into a parking lot to compensate for the loss of on-street parking.

But it's still unclear whether left-hand turns into the lot from Main Street will be allowed. Pollack said, "No decision has been made yet regarding those left-hand turns."

The town board passed the ordinance at the Town of North Hempstead's public hearing on Tuesday, 5 to 0. Councilman Angelo Ferrara abstained explaining that he needed more time to look into the situation and Councilman Thomas Dwyer was absent.

But close to 40 people at the meeting said they disagreed with the proposed solution and showed it by signing a petition started by Harbor Deli owner Harry DeFeo.

Attorney Michael Rosen, who represents the deli, said the 700 signatures collected show how area residents are "vehemently opposed" to the resolution. He reinforced the opinion that the stores along lower Main Street will experience a severe loss in foot traffic and thus business because cars won't be able to park in front of them.

Warren Silver, an owner of Painting with Flowers on lower Main Street, said the elimination of the parking spaces will create a "death valley" in the area because he said if "a customer can park in front of a store, it makes it easier to run in and shop." In addition, Silver suggested that a traffic officer be stationed at the intersection during peak times to direct traffic flow rather than eliminate the spaces.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman said the town will monitor what impact these changes have and, if necessary, will reevaluate the situation. He pointed out that they could choose to restore the on-street parking and restrict the hours the no-stopping zone would be in effect. "It amazes me to suggest that what we're going to do will make or break a business," he said.

Anthony Testa, property manager of the renovated 299 Main Street building said he  currently has four retail stores that are vacant and that not having on-street parking could affect his being able to rent them out. "We feel the loss of these parking spots would be detrimental to future prospects," Testa said. "They [possible renters] are aware of these pending issues and we have serious concerns."

Several residents spoke about the potential car accidents involving pedestrians on lower Main Street. They said they feel there won't be enough room between the sidewalk and the street with the removal of the parking spaces. "The real issues are the safety concerns," said Port resident Manny Matos.

Long-time Port resident Pam Monfort pointed out the proximity to the PAL field and the new parking lot. "I believe there will be an increased number of accidents on Main Street when parents use the lot for games," she said.

The construction of the new parking lot should start within the next few weeks and until it's completed, the Main Street parking spaces won't be removed. 

Tom McNamara, a local attorney, said life on lower Main Street may never be the same. "This affects its fabric and character," he said.

Kaiman reassured residents that this decision isn't set in stone. "We're not rebuilding the road," he said, "we can always go back."