Residents Target Lombardi's Parking Shortage

Residents who have argued that heavy valet parking at Lombardi's on the Bay is causing headaches for nearby homeowners will have their chance to make their case at the July 12 Village Board meeting.

Already, some have spoken in front of the board. Earlier this week, resident Mark Fauci said the area is in complete gridlock and unwelcome visitors have entered onto his personal property.

"A woman got impatient and made a left into my drieway, around my circle, and out, so my kids aren't safe in their own driveway," he said. "On Sunday I had a car removed."

Fauci printed photos of what he called a typical Friday night on his street. Fauci, however, declined to release the photos for publication.

Gerry Barracca, who also spoke at the last meeting, proposed that parking should be prohibited from Smith Street to Leo Street and that permits be granted in order to park in front of condominiums developments.

"Our proposal would not effect houses there and allow us to have our families and guests come so we can enjoy Lombardi's and the Village Pool by permit," Barraca said.

Trustee Jack Krieger said he has spoke to the Lombardi's owners and that the restaurant plans to add parking spaces to land conencted to the lot they currently use.

The proposed parking lot would add 30 to 40 spaces to Lombardi's.  The proposal for this lot was brought to the Village Board and approved at the June 16th meeting.

But some residents said that won't do enough.

"Thirty to 40 spaces isn't going to make a dent," Fauci said.

A call  to Lombardi's wasn't immediately returned.