With an eye toward public safety in the event of an emergency, the Southold Town board voted unanimously Tuesday night to enact new parking restrictions at the intersection of Village Lane and King Street in Orient.
The new law states that parking is prohibited on the east side of Village Lane, from the point 170 feet south of the intersection of Village Lane and the southwesterly corner of Fletcher Street, extending to the end of Village Lane where it intersects with King Street. Parking is also prohibited at the intersection of King Street and Village Lane to the intersection of King Street and Willow Terrace Lane.
The board voted after a public hearing on the issue, during which Village Lane resident Richard Gillooly raised concerns about how those without driveways would fare once the new parking restrictions were imposed, especially during those days when there are events at the Orient Yacht Club or private functions.
He also said he was concerned those who couldn’t park at the designated areas would move to park on side streets. “People will park somewhere,” he said. “The streets are very narrow. You’re solving one problem and causing another.”
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell showed Gillooly a map and outlined how the no parking restriction would work, explaining the restriction “jumps” from the westerly to the east side of the road, helping to alleviate concerns.
Councilman Bill Ruland thanked the Orient Fire District for their “perseverance and time,” mentioning when members of the fire department gave a demonstration, in full apparatus, of how difficult it would be for emergency vehicles to navigate the intersection in an emergency.
“Some people will be upset, but when you look at the dynamic of how the scenario would play out, with vehicles on both sides of the street, it just can’t be. The safety of everyone has to take precedent over anyone’s inconvenience,” Ruland said.
Scott Harris, vice president of the Orient Fire District’s board of commissioners, stood up to extend his gratitude to the board for their support. “We have a real problem there,” he said. “Thank you.”
