As a lifelong resident of Williston Park that chose to raise his own children here, I cannot help but be saddened by the current state of affairs in our town.
Our roads are in the worst condition than ever before in my 45 years living in the town and those tasked with the well being of our children (e.g. superintendant of Mineola Schools) are making seemingly arbitrary decisions that, mark my words, will result in serious injury if not the death of a child.
On the latter point I am referring to the decision by Mr. Michael Nagler to rent out Cross Street as a Yeshiva school.
Although I have no issue with either the renting of the building or to whom it is rented, I do have serious concern with the decision to begin the school day at the same time St. Aidan students arrive each morning.
Anyone who has been in the proximity of Willis and Hillside avenues just prior to 8 a.m. on weekdays knows exactly how chaotic and untenable the traffic situation (vehicle and pedestrian) has become. Add in 40+ buses, vans and cars and you’ve created a recipe for disaster.
I only wish that those making decisions that so significantly impact our community had the same love and vested interest in its well being as many of its residents (lifelong or otherwise). I pray that the worst outcome is increased re-alignments from horrible street surfaces and not the death or serious injury of a child.
John O’Hara
Williston Park
