Residents Weigh In On Sterling Street Parking

Residents turned out in force to let their voices be heard Monday night regarding a proposed local law that would ban parking on the east side of Sterling Street in Greenport.

A larger than usual crowd turned out for the public hearing at the monthly Greenport village board meeting, with Sterling Street residents stepping up to the podium to speak out on the issue.

Doug Moore, chairman of the Greenport zoning board of appeals, said he supported the measure. "It's a narrow street," he said, adding that the large number of cars parked there could pose a problem for an emergency vehicle trying to get through. "It's a hazard."

Moore added that he supported no parking restrictions on both sides of Sterling Street and suggested the village board discuss the matter with the fire chief.

Stephen Weiss, who lives on Sterling Street, agreed that he was in favor of the no-parking proposal on the east side of the street. "Whenever these things come up, people say it's NIMBYism -- not in my back yard," he said. "But I've always considered Sterling Street Greenport's back yard. People walk their dogs, push baby carriages. They make a point of driving down Sterling Street just to see the water."

Weiss suggested the board consider extending the no parking restrictions even farther north on Sterling Street.

Gus Wade, who also lives on Sterling Street and owns the Harbor View Yacht Club, said when he opened his business, he was mandated to provide one off-street parking slot for every boat slip. He asked when that requirement was disbanded.

Wade said during the busy summer months and on holiday weekends, so many cars are parked along Sterling Street that it's difficult to access his driveway or home. He asked "why people that have boats parked can't walk an extra 100 feet and keep their cars off Sterling Street. That would totally eliminate the problem." He suggested those that have boat slips park behind their residence. 

Another resident suggested signage be increased, so people would know no parking was allowed.

John Mancini, another Sterling Street resident, asked how the issue arose. He said he'd heard the measure was introduced because some, including Village Administrator Dave Abatelli, felt safety was an issue.

"I’ve been there for 23 years -- what’s unsafe?" he asked. "Have there been any traffic accidents?" 

Trustee George Hubbad, running the meeting in Mayor David Nyce's absence, said neighbors had asked for no parking on the east side of Sterling.

Mancini suggested Nyce had been out on his bike and been unable to see the road because of ornamental grass. "I think the board should pay a visit to Sterling Street and, until someone can tell me what the safety issue is, I'm against it," he said.

Neighbor Mary Moore said safety was definitely a concern. She said she has almost hit a car trying to navigate a curve in the road and has had a car coming directly at her vehicle. "I'm concerned someone will have an accident there."

Sterling Street resident Art Strom said the real issue is cars driving too quickly on Sterling Street. "Speed is a big problem," he said. "Let's slow traffic down." He added that a speed limit of 15 miles per hour would be adequate.

The board left the public hearing open for comment. Trustee Doug Murray said he wanted to wait until the crowded summer season to review the issue before taking any action.