New signal will help make crossing to library safer

Hillside Public Library's parking lot in New Hyde Park is across the street on Lakeville Road. Cars do not yield to crossing pedestrians even though there are signs on both sidewalks. There is also an Italian ice store across the street and kids run back and forth to it from the library. This is an accident waiting to happen, and we need this problem addressed before there is a tragedy.

- Bob Paresi, New Hyde Park

IT should be safer to cross after a new signal is installed by the end of this year, Mr. Paresi.

Library director Charlene Noll told us that Nassau County contacted her to say a new signal, with a pedestrian button to activate the WALK sign, would be installed within a couple of months.

Crossing Lakeville Road has been a major concern since the library opened in 2007, Noll said. In 2008, after receiving a petition and complaints, the county painted a crosswalk in front of the library, she said, but problems continued. "People don't really stop at crosswalks," Noll said, "and it made things even more dangerous."

Nassau residents with concerns involving county roads should call 516-571-9600.