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North Castle Plans New Parking Laws For Bedford Road

ARMONK, N.Y. ? New parking rules proposed for Bedford Road in Armonk may keep both local businesses and the nearby school happy, thanks to a compromise. The North Castle Town Board has decided to restrict parking on Bedford Road but allow cars to park in the cul-de-sac on the dead-end street.

The red lines show where parking will be restricted on Bedford Road.

The red lines show where parking will be restricted on Bedford Road.

Photo Credit: Robert Michelin

Lt. Peter Simonsen of the North Castle Police Department, who conducted a traffic study of the road, and said residents currently park along the road, but technically shouldn't.

"This proposal doesn't eliminate available parking," Simonsen said. "Parking was never intended at this location. The roadway simply isn't wide enough."

Simonsen said the road is only about 25 feet wide and is required to be at least 32 feet wide to have on-street parking. However, many residents using businesses such as Armonk Burgers & Shakes and those waiting to pick up or drop off their children at the H.C. Crittenden Middle School frequently park along the road. Issues arose when buses from the school were forced to maneuver the road with cars parked along the sides. 

There are currently no signs restricting parking on Bedford Road.

Sue Dean, who owns a business on Bedford Road, said prohibiting parking altogether, which was the original plan, would be unfair to customers and businesses. 

"Eliminating parking shouldn't be taken lightly," Dean said. "It significantly affects our businesses. Many people have invested a lot of years and dollars into their businesses."

Based on the recommendation from Simonsen and Town Attorney Roland Baroni, the Town Board agreed to prohibit parking on the north and south sides of Bedford Road up to the cul-de-sac. Residents will be able to park freely in the cul-de-sac, except during the overnight hours, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., when parking will be prohibited. Dean and her husband, Robert, were pleased with the compromise. 

The new parking plan will be approved at the next Town Board meeting on Dec. 12. It has not been determined when the parking laws will be put into effect.

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