Bayview Avenue traffic and parking up for public discussion in September

Bayview Avenue has been a topic of discussion during Northport Village board meetings over the last several months, with residents sharing stories of speeding vehicles, increased traffic, disruptive visitor parking and car accidents. Some have proposed making Bayview a one-way street, while others have voiced that doing so will interrupt the flow of traffic on side streets, including Highland Avenue, Lewis Road, Thomas Lane, Stanton Street and James Street.

In response, a “Bayview Traffic and Parking Public Discussion” has been scheduled by Village officials for September. Residents will have the opportunity to speak on the subject, sharing opinions on how to improve the safety and congestion on the busy Village road. 

Paul Devine of Bayview Avenue has voiced concerns regarding the street’s safety at several Village board meetings. At the June 18 meeting, he presented the board with photos of his wife’s car, which had been recently sideswiped by a vehicle while parked in front of their home. “It caused excessive damage,” Devine said of the accident that occurred at 4pm during dry conditions by an experienced driver. “What’s the explanation? The roads are too darn narrow,” Devine said. “We’ve been talking about this for almost a year and nothing has been done. Frankly, we’re losing our patience.” It’s unacceptable for residents to fear damage when parking their cars in front of their own homes, he added. 

Devine said that on his end of Bayview Avenue, closer to Northport Village Park, congestion is the issue, while speeding seems to be a problem slightly more north, especially when drivers make the turn down James Street. 

“I’m asking for some guidance – let’s do something,” Devine said, adding that the volume of traffic on Bayview has changed since 2020, as the Village has experienced a busier and more congested downtown. 

“I agree with you that we have to do something,” Northport Mayor Donna Koch replied. “But the question is ‘What do we do?’” Koch said that while the board has considered making Bayview a one-way street, it causes concern that traffic would simply move up into side streets. “I understand your frustration,” she said. “We’re working with the Comprehensive Plan people. The surveys were done at the end of May, they’ve been putting together all the data.” As part of the Comprehensive Plan, the Village will receive a traffic study that includes Bayview Avenue. 

Devine said that he’s not satisfied with the Comprehensive Plan being the solution to their problem, as it may take another year to complete. He said that along with his neighbors, many of whom have also shared concerns with the board, they are open to suggestions by the traffic engineer and are ready to find a solution. 

The “Bayview Traffic and Parking Public Discussion” will take place at the American Legion in Northport Village on September 12 from 7 to 9pm.