As I complete my seventh year as a Village trustee, I would like to share with the residents and the business community my thoughts on Parking Field 7S! The parking problem in 7S is exacerbated by the failure of owners and employers to embrace a concept of "self-help" that is readily available, readily encouraged, readily enforceable, and would be immediately effective. If the owners, employers, and employees would park in Parking Field 7N or the "WYE" Lot at the Toll House, a substantial number of parking spaces would become free for the patrons. Unfortunately, it is apparent that we have some owners, employers, and employees who place their own convenience ahead of their business' interest.

An employer has the right under New York State Law to establish reasonable work rules. The requirement to park their personal vehicles at special locations has been recognized throughout New York State as a prerogative that employers enjoy without fear of legal suit. This requirement to park in another lot, making the closest parking for the patron, is consistent with good business judgment. It allows for access to one's business and facilitates a rapid turnover of spaces. It makes sense! Imagine the fabulous results for the customers and the increase in business!

It would be desirable and expected that owners would "lead by example," parking their cars at the other lots such as 7N and the "WYE" lot. These lots are a 2-5 minute walk from most businesses on Seventh Street. If you were a person who had several meetings to attend during a particular work day, it would still be hoped that you would put the customer first and park in the spaces that are further from your door. This would be showing the customers that you care and it would allow for the Realtors to easily assist potential new residents in seeing Garden City.

I am aware that each type of business has their own distinct needs, but this dilemma can be solved. There is the option of taking a legal three hour space, if you move the car when the alloted time has expired. However, the employees who come out with rags to wipe off the Police markings or just roll their vehicles a few inches are in effect hurting our business community. A new attitude needs to be established. This "game playing" is not the police's problem, but each and every owner/employer's problem, because these people are taking spaces from the cutomers! Aside from a reprimand for noncompliance, employers [who practiced what they preached] could progressively discipline their employees, up to and including discharge of that employee, without fear of adverse consequences. The Village of Garden City has undertaken significant effort to ameliorate the parking situation in 7S and the key to success is now in the hands of the owners/employers. Match the Village's efforts to solve this problem!

At the Traffic Commission on Jan. 8, 1998, everyone agreed that some type of positive initiative needs to be developed to reward and praise the many members of our business community who always do the right thing and try to be sure ample parking is ever-present for the patrons! I personally liked Trustee Asselta's thoughts on publicity in the local papers for those who lead by example. This, too, lies in the owners' control and I sincerely hope the Chamber of Commerce and the C.B.A. (Central Business Alliance) will unite and initiate a variation of this idea soon!!

The Village has always been willing to listen, to experiment with signage, and to ensure compliance with parking restrictions. The police department has been directed to increase enforcement at this location. I am confident that by ceasing the "tire games," moving the 30 to 40 cars that continually offend, and working together, we can stimulate the economic engine that drives this Village.

P.S. A big thank you to the business people who park their cars a little further away and leave the spaces for our residents and out-of-town shoppers!