North Salem officials seek input on parking regulations

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - North Salem is seeking input from residents and businesses on its plans to restrict parking along certain sections of Bloomer Road, Route 121, and Dingle Ridge Road.

A public hearing on an amendment to the local vehicles and traffic law is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the town’s meeting room, 66 June Road.

The proposed change was spurred by safety concerns over sight distance problems created when cars are parked on the road around the intersection of Bloomer and Route 121 (aka Peach Lake Road).

There are several small businesses in that immediate area that may want to weigh in.

There is, for instance, a café that hosts a Cars & Coffee event once a month that draws scores of folks anxious to show off their vintage rides. It’s so popular that attendees tend to overflow its lot.

If the amendment is approved, parking will be prohibited at all times in the following locations:

· From the intersection with Route 121 west on both the north and south side of Bloomer Road for a distance of 300 feet;

· From the intersection with Bloomer Road north on the west side of Route 121 for a distance of 408 feet;

· From the intersection with Bloomer Road south on the west side of Route 121 for a distance of 500 feet;

· From the intersection with Bloomer Road north on the east side of Route 121 for a distance to the centerline of Dingle Ridge Road;

· From the centerline of Dingle Ridge Road north on Route 121 on the east side for a distance of 125 feet.

There had been a suggestion to extend the no-parking zones farther, but that was set aside for fear that it would be too dangerous for people to have to walk in the road for longer distances.

The town is also considering restricting parking at the “Green Space” in the hamlet of Croton Falls to three hours. Signs will be posted if that’s approved.

Both local laws will become effective upon filing with New York’s secretary of state.

Short-Term Rentals

In August, the Town Board heard from folks on a proposed amendment to the town code to permit or regulate short-term rentals, or STRs.

The intent is to accommodate property owners who want the option to rent their residential dwellings on “a host-term basis” while at the same time establishing  “appropriate requirements” that will “mitigate challenges that short-term rentals may have on neighborhoods and the community as a whole.”

The hearing was continued until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It will be held in the town’s meeting room, 66 June Road.