A debate over conditions in the park- ing lot at the Lindenwood Shopping Center has escalated after some civic leaders and residents say inaccurate information about the situation in and around the lot has been put forth.
Bright yellow dividing lines in this photograph do not support claims of faded lane demarcations in the Lindenwood Shopping Center parking lot. Forum Newsgroup photo by Luis Gronda.
Assemblyman Philip Goldfeder, whose district includes the Linden- wood area in Howard Beach, asked the lot’s owner, Howard Beach Realty, to repaint the parking space lines and fire zone lines along the front of the shopping center because, Goldfeder says, he personally witnessed two near accidents when recently visiting the shopping center. Both of which he said could have been prevented if safety were improved in the lot.
The three complaints voiced by the assemblyman include yellow parking lines that divide up parking spaces which he says have faded away, making it difficult for drivers to see and causing them to park their car over the lines and take up two spaces. A second, more serious issue, is the directional lines to enter and exit the parking lot which have also faded, making it confusing as to where vehicles can enter or leave the lot––this also includes the directional turning lanes that tell drivers where they can and cannot turn.
Lastly, the assemblyman said that the fire lanes running along the front of the stores are also not clearly marked and when people park their cars in that no parking zone, dangerous conditions are formed, especially in case of a fire.
Goldfeder wrote a letter to the lot’s owner expressing his concerns.
In response to his letter, Cathy Napolitano, of Howard Plaza Realty, the property’s managing agent, said that the parking lot is constantly examined for any issues and anything found is promptly taken care of.
“We take tremendous pride in the shopping center and the safety of the tenants and the employees,” said Napolitano, who has been the manager for 11 years.
Suresh Katwaroo, who oversees the maintenance of parking lot, said that the yellow parking lines were repainted as recently as two months ago and that the lot usually is repainted about twice a year, depending on the weather and how quickly the paint wears out.
Lines to get into the parking lot and the lines that signal a right hand turn are set to be repainted but there is a signage that says “No Right Turn”. But Katwaroo points out that he’s
Residents who drive to the shopping center said that the one complaint that they have about the parking lot is people parking in the fire zone, which is a no parking zone. Forum Newsgroup photos by Luis Gronda.
seen many people make the illegal turn despite the prominent placement of the sign.
Residents who use the lot to park their cars told The Forum that they don’t have a problem with the parking lanes, and while some did offer suggestions and complaints, all were quick to agree that in addition to an improvement in sinage, drivers must abide by what the signage says.
John Kenny, who lives nearby the shopping center, said clearer signage as to where you enter and exit the parking lot is needed. Currently, Kenny said, people use the entrances on 84 Street as both an entrance and an exit back onto that same street. “People come in and out whenever they want to,” he said.
And according to Kenny, the en- trance that runs along the stores and the fire zone is only supposed to be used as an exit, while the other entrance, which is closer to where drivers can park, is only supposed to be used as a way to enter.
Another Howard Beach resident Chris Vallatutti, echoed Kenny’s sentiment. “People make left turns onto the road in front of the shopping center even though the sign says you’re only supposed to make a right turn.”
Lindenwood Alliance founder, Joann Ariola says the community should certainly be made aware of any traffic hazzards but pointed out that Howard Plaza Realty remains one of the community’s most reliable neighbors and sends a representative to every one of the group’s monthly meetings.
According to Ariola, issues that have arisen at the shopping center have always been addressed in a timely fash- ion. She also pointed out that she has spoken with Napolitano about the fact that drivers continue to disregard the turning signage. “Any issues that have arisen concerning the shopping center in the past have always been resolved in a timely fashion,” said Ariola.
“The Lindenwood community has no reason to think any further issues would not be resolved in the same way.”
By Luis Gronda
