At the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Byram resident Liz Eckert requested a residential parking program.
“I’ve had issues on my own street. There’s zero compliance and minimal enforcement of existing parking regulations,” she said. “I thought if we had residential parking stickers here, it might help.”
Eckert said there are often cars with New York license plates parked in the area of Mead Avenue.
“We have cars parked directly up to the stop signs, and right under the stop sign so cars can’t see,” she said. “We also have cars parked in crosswalks.”
Eckert said the situation was dangerous, particularly because much of Mead Avenue is in the New Lebanon School zone.
“It makes it dangerous for kids walking to school,” she said. “If we did a parking permit program, in the process residents could be made aware of existing parking regulations, such as not parking within 5 ft of someone’s driveway cut out and not parking next to stop signs and in crosswalks.”
She said her neighbors had petitioned the Town and received residential permits for Church Street West.
“I can tell you that parking enforcement will come by periodically and check,” Camillo agreed. He said he previously lived in that neighborhood and while he typically parked in his driveway, once when he parked in the road he was ticketed. “People have to remember to go get a sticker,” he said.
Camillo suggested that Ms Eckert go before the Byram Neighborhood Association for feedback and support.
“Even with the best ideas, you’ll get some opposition, and it’s good to hear that,” he aid.
Eckert noted the entire Byram neighborhood is densely populated, including Henry Street and High Street.
“But to have people from New York parking, getting out and walking to Byram Shore,” she said. “There’s also cars with New York plates that park on Mead Ave and get into another car and drive away.”
Mr. Camillo noted that he had received complaints about cars parked on South Water Street for extended periods of time, but that since violations were reported, parking services had stepped up enforcement.
“Maybe we get a comprehensive program for Byram as a whole, and not piecemeal it,” he continued adding that he wondered about guests of residents when there is residential parking. “I’m happy to attend the next BNA meeting and offer support.”
Luann Bellantoni from Parking Services said her department is happy to address issues and residents should use the Access Greenwich to request service or email the department.
Selectperson Oberlander said the solution might be more enforcement, rather than residential permits.
“I’d ask that parking services come back and report on that. Instead of residents only, address the safety concern about people parking in crosswalks by extending the no parking zone to ensure visibility through crosswalks.”
Oberlander noted that this solution was discussed after a pedestrian was hit and killed in the area of a crosswalk on Milbank Ave by Agnes Morley senior housing complex.
Camillo suggested a comprehensive plan be created for Byram to deal with danger spots and residential parking.
“There are some streets you probably do want residents only,” he said. “Having lived there, there were times if you were a resident you had to park two or three blocks away or at the old Amerigos, now Char, because there were people who lived three streets over parking in front of your house every day. I think it’s worked really well on Church Street West.”
Eckert agreed a comprehensive plan was a good idea. “Thank you for the suggestions,” she said.