Parking Restricted on South Ocean

Responding to complaints about increased traffic created by nearby Lombardi's on the Bay, the Village Board on Monday agreed to ban parking on the east side of South Ocean Avenue between Leo and Smith Street.

The new rule, which passed unanimously, also requires residential parking permits on the west side of the street.

Meanwhile, the Lombardi Family is expected to close on a sliver of property on Smith Street to be used for additional valet parking.

The Lombardi's are  also talking to nearby property owners about land, and are negotiating with nearby businesses to work out a deal in which parking lots could be shared by Lombardi's employees.

Trustee Jack Krieger said the Lombardi's know the severity of the problem, adding that customers won't always be willing to park a half-mile away.

Gerry Barraca, who spoke at the last meeting, was in favor of the parking restrictions. Like many residents, Barraca had many concerns about the safety of residents and children in the area, especially when emergency personnel were trying to pass through.

Barraca said the parking on both sides of the street was so crowded that a fire truck had driven down the yellow line of the street, because there was no room on the side of the road.

"That's a normal night for us," Barraca said.