Sound Beach traffic calming project met with panic
Residents concerned project could hurt local businesses
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The Town of Brookhaven is hoping to alleviate some of the traffic concerns along Sound Beach Boulevard and New York Avenue in Sound Beach. Currently, with cars parked in the street and other cars whipping by, it can be hard to get a good visual when making turns.
While the plan was billed as a way to slow traffic in the hamlet's downtown area, residents feared, among other concerns, that the project could have a negative impact on businesses there. And they were quick to let the powers that be know it.
Central to the community complaints are plans to eliminate two parking spots on Sound Beach Boulevard, where parking already is limited. Bill Schwamb, who owns a plumbing supplies store downtown, voiced his concern over the removal of the two spots, one in front of the Great Wall restaurant and the other in front of Sunny Deli.
"You'll really hurt those businesses," Mr. Schwamb said. "They don't have enough parking as it is."
Mr. Schwamb isn't alone in his thinking. Other residents, including civic president Bill Pellenz, spoke out about a need for more parking in the area.
Brookhaven's director of traffic safety, Lynn Weyant, stressed to an audience of more than 50 residents that the plans are strictly preliminary. She said the community's concerns will be factored into final plans.
"This project is about solving those problems and improving the neighborhood feel," said Mr. Normandin, who lives in Sound Beach.
The goal, he said, would be to slow speeds and calm vehicle traffic, while increasing pedestrian foot traffic downtown. In its current state, the project calls for a median gateway with a raised island separating eastbound and westbound traffic, continuous sidewalks on the north side of New York Avenue, a redesign of the intersection of Northport Road and New York Avenue, defined parking spaces and imprinted crosswalks. Signage along the roadway also would be replaced.
Mr. Normandin also said the project would improve sightlines for drivers in the area.
"These things will all make a big difference," Mr. Normandin said.
But not everyone agrees.
"If you think that's going to slow down traffic, I don't care what your studies say, it's not," Mr. Schwamb said.
Ed Hudson, assistant chief of the Sound Beach Fire Department, raised concerns about the proposed median, saying the roadways, which Mr. Normandin said would be 11 feet wide in each direction, would not be clear for emergency vehicles.
"We have trucks that are nine feet wide with nothing on them," Chief Hudson said. "We'd be forced to drive over the medians."
Mr. Normandin said the chief's concerns will be taken into consideration.
"That's why we came to you," he said. "We need your input. We want this to be something you're happy with."
gparpan@northshoresun.com
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