Trucking down Lawrence Lane

Residents annoyed by influx of large tractor-trailers

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Residents on Lawrence Lane off Burnside Avenue in Lawrence have noticed an influx of large tractor-trailers using the street in recent years, and said drivers are running stop signs, jumping curbs and idling in front of their homes.

Signs on Buena Vista Avenue, which intersects with Lawrence Lane, prohibit trucks over 8,000 pounds, with the exception of local deliveries. “Local delivery,” as defined by Town of Hempstead officials, implies deliveries that go to locations in that neighborhood, regardless of size or weight.

“We contacted the NCPD and asked that they step up enforcement in that area based on an inquiry we had gotten,” Hempstead Town spokesman Mike Deery said. “We always have an open door and always would consider any prospective remedies that could improve conditions for neighbors and the community,” when asked about potential solutions.

Shopping centers in the area including the Bay Harbour Mall and stores along Rockaway Turnpike have large trucks picking up and dropping off merchandise.
One of several trucking companies that Shara Sita, a resident on Lawrence Lane, mentioned pass by her home regularly is TGT Transportation. “We did tell our dispatchers to stay away from doing business in that area,” Jennifer Marcia, human resources director at TGT Transportation, said. Marcia explained that company officials looked at a map of the area and visited the street.

Sita has lived on Lawrence Lane for the last four years. “Nonstop” is how she described the frequency of trucks driving up and down the block. She said truck traffic needs to be rerouted to Garden Lane and also suggested making Buena Vista Avenue a one-way street from Lawrence Parkway to Lawrence Lane westbound.

The Lawrence resident noted that one truck driver damaged her fence; others are idling in front of her home, running stop signs, jumping curbs and pose a threat to children in the neighborhood. “What is it going to take — someone to get hit?” she said, in reference to making a change. “We deserve peace.”