Six residents attended a Village of Thomaston meeting on Monday, March 21 hoping to find a long-term solution to a persistent problem- traffic on Lee Avenue.
Nestled between Schenck Avenue and Northern Boulevard, the road is closed due to ongoing construction.
Lee Avenue resident Sarah Mejia said that when drivers realize the street is closed they back up and crash into her retaining wall.
“It’s embarrassing,” she said. “I can’t imagine what my property is worth now. There’s garbage all over the road.”
Although Lee Avenue will probably remain closed for the next two years, when it is open local residents say that too many cars turning onto Northern Boulevard break the speed limit.
Village of Thomaston Mayor Robert Stern said that the street would be quickly cleaned and offered to post dead end signs.
“We have a lot of people who do not obey the law in this village,” he said. “It’s unfortunate.”
On March 31 at 8 p.m. a Long Island Rail Road extension subcommittee will report to the board. At the meeting will be an engineer who the committee is requesting Thomaston hire at a cost of $10,000 to help build a case against the extension.
The board approved a $5 per hour raise for the village attorney, who will now receive $285 per hour.
The board also approved an expenditure of $89,316 to lease two garages on land owned by the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District. The garages will store infrequently used equipment such as vacuums and wood chippers.
The board took no action on a bill proposed by the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District that would require residents to clear fire hydrants of ice and snow or face a fine.
Trustee James Sharkey said that although the water district owns the hydrants and shovels after a light snow, it was impossible to keep up with the volume of snow during last winter’s blizzards.
“Imposing big government on you must clear your hydrant seems un-American,” he said, wondering what would happen if an infirm homeowner was unable not clear their hydrant.
Trustees agreed that the law would be unenforceable and will rely on residents to do the right thing and keep their hydrants clear.
