Ruland: Love Lane U-Turns Are Getting Dangerous

To Southold Town Board councilman William Ruland, U-turns at the intersection of Love Lane and Pike Street in Mattituck have gotten out of hand — and dangerous.

So he proposed to the rest of the board at Wednesday’s work session that they consider approving “No U-Turn” signs to be installed at the intersection.

“It’s getting to look like the Wild West there, especially on the weekends,” he said. “It’s becoming dangerous for pedestrians to cross.”

Councilman Vincent Orlando said that he too has seen some risky U-turns right in the middle of Love Lane, when people are either leaving or trying to find a parking space. Ken Denston, a manager at on Love Lane, said on Thursday morning that from his corner location at the store, he sees at least one dangerous U-turn per weekend at the intersection.

“The other day, someone was in a Porsche — a small enough car — but he whipped around so fast. I just don’t think it’s the safest thing to do,” he said.

Denston advocated “No U-turn” signs but said he would also like to see bigger stop signs at the intersection and signs that might help to guide drivers to the municipal parking in lots behind each side of Love Lane businesses.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Supervisor Scott Russell also recommended signs that would point out the municipal lots.