Parents: Close Littleworth Lane

Parents demanded that the Village Board find a solution to keep Littleworth Lane closed because of safety concerns, between Hansen Place and Carpenter Avenue. Adam, Friedberg, a Sea Cliff parent, said there would otherwise be an “inevitable tragedy.”

“I have seen close calls on that street that have taken my breath away,” Friedberg said. He spoke at a public comment meeting on Nov. 13. In a prepared statement for trustees, he implored them to permanently

The street, which sits between Sea Cliff School and its playground, is already closed Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, a municipality does not have the power to pass laws that prohibit the use of public roads.

Mayor Edward Lieberman stressed that the issue could not be solved by the board alone. He introduced a motion to solicit input from local agencies such as the Fire Department, Police Department and school district.

Friedberg has since written a petition that advocates for turning Littleworth Lane into a dead end near the side entrance of Sea Cliff Elementary. The petition, which was started on Nov. 15, also calls for expanding the sidewalks around the intersection so children can navigate the area without having to walk in the street.

At a Dec. 4 conference meeting, Daniel Flanzig, the chairman of the village’s Traffic and Safety Committee, worked with its members to gather information on the legal and feasible options for the street, and provide recommendations to the board.

Board trustee Dina Epstein suggested that the Traffic and Safety Committee “narrow the scope” of its research before taking the next steps, and “be prepared to take action” at the board’s next conference meeting in January.