Mr. Natale, if you wish to keep a child from getting hit by a car at either 15 or 30 MPH, keep the children out of the street.

hard to do in areas like this- kids need room to play and be safe. drivers should slow down and pay more attention. relax, what's the rush.

Exactly Brendan! I'd suggest the same recommendation for the sourpuss moms and dads in the canals flagging cars down because they're doing 18 instead of 15. Do your jobs as parents instead of directing traffic.

Bill and Brendan i agree about the playing in the street ,but what about teens and kids on bikes ,it only makes sense to slow people down a little ,SPEED BUMPS ,OR AS I've said before a sign when you come into town MEMORIAL DAY THUR LABOR DAY FINES 2X FOR SPEEDING AND STOP SIGNS ,LETS LOWER TAX DEBT USEIN G OUT OF TOWNEES TO PAY

The fact is simply that, right or wrong, the burden is on drivers, whether they are doing 15 or 50 mph, to be as alert and vigilant as possible for pedestrians or children playing in streets. All the regulations and street signs in the world will not completely eliminate the risk of somebody getting injured. Just an unfortunate fact of life.

Brendan and Bill, are you guys parents?........ Bill, "do your job as parents"? It seems to me that thats exactly what those sourpuss moms and dads are doing. They are out there watching and supervising their children play in front of their own house on a small side street in a small community. I grew up on the president streets and they have forever been some of the most "child populated" streets in town.There is absolutely no need to speed on any side street. (or any street in this town for that matter) Oh and i love Brendan's solution of sending them to the "WHOLE BEACH PARK" and playgrounds.....last i checked you would have to cross broadway as young kids to get the the beach (or pacific park) from the president streets and it's definitely way safer to cross park ave. to get to the nearest playground which would be east school!!! If the parents aren't available to escort them, not a good idea......Think before you rant.......
longbeacher....i like the speed bumps, (while i don't live there, they seem to work in the canals?) I also like the 2x fines during the busier months as well but don't just blame to OOT'ers for the speeding. not too many of them travel the president streets routinely.
(my name will come up as Bill, last initial L, please do not confuse me with the Bill above.

This needs to be done all over the town..not just in the president streets ALL residential streets should be 15 miles an hour ..children are at risk everywhere !!!! there is no ..and I mean no enforcement of traffic laws on any side streets ..wake up long beach ..there are big $ to be made making our streets safer we need enforcement all over town ..not just in one area !!!!!

Agree, wholeheartedly, Kevin. As a canal resident, with grown children, I'd have to say that most drivers are cautious but there are the ones who drive those giant SUVs while chatting on the phone that are the most dangerous - and I hate to say it - but it's quite often the soccer moms who have a car full of kids. Doubling the fines throughout the summer would be a great start but that won't happen until the police are forced to enforce the traffic laws - including talking/texting while driving.

As I've said many times on this subject, neighborhood enforcement/penalty zones seem a reasonable solution. Drivers who speed in neighborhoods ought get slammed w/ double fines and points just as they would in road construction zones.
Re Brendan/ Bill, sorry guys, kids are kids, neighborhoods are neighborhoods, people who drive through them need to realize that they are not short cuts or speedways. That said, let's have LBPD getting those street side basketball set ups out of the streets. I doubt they are allowed... they are basically inviting kids to play in street traffic when our taxes provide nice parks and school yards for this.

The way that I look at it... We can put a stop sign on every corner, and reduce the speed limit all over town and we are still going to have the same problem, which is the drivers. If you want to fix this problem, the police department needs to step it up and start writting lots of tickets. And if you think its only the out of towners breaking the law you are delusional. At least half the drunk drivers caught live in town (Which is disgusting because all of Long Beach is pretty much walkable.) In the summer months you should not be able to get into or out of the west end without passing a cop when the bars closing. I agree with the post above.. Big money in reducing people not following the traffic laws.

As I've said before, do what you want, parents. But when your kid gets nailed by a car, don't say I didn't have a pretty decent suggestion on how they could have avoided it. Cops can't be everywhere 24/7, but you can teach your kid some basic rules that, if followed, will keep a dent out of someone's vehicle and your kid out of the hospital. Also, stop trying to nanny-state everyone else into having to "watch out" for your progeny while you let them run wild while you do whatever it is you're doing besides watch them.

You made 'em , you watch 'em.

It comes down to slowing down-period. Its not just the children possibly playing in or around the streets-think about all the other pedestrians-adults and elderly-we know the rules but we are still entitled to be in the roadway at times. Such as riding a bike (you can't do that on the sidewalks) or walking or jogging (while you can do that on sidewalks-people will moan and complain about that or how about the cars parked in driveways blocking the sidewalk-no choice but to end up in the street). Or how about the people who own pets-god forbid you walk them on a sidewalk and they need to go to the bathroom-someone will be complaining that pets should be curbed. You can't avoid the fact that pedestrians will share the roadway with vehicles. And as a driver- you have a duty to be aware of your surroundings and what it infront of you/around you-at all times. And agreeing with Neal- research and the simple law of physics shows lower speed saves lives. For those who are annoyed at a reduction of 15 mph-what is that really going to cost you -a minute or two in travel time-get over it.

Just don't fix all the potholes. That'll slow 'em down.

Y'all got a weeks worth of panties shoved up your collective bum. Kids have been messing around in the streets playing ball or what have you for decades. Why stop now? Why should cars have the right of way on EVERY street? VIVA LA WOONERF!

Harvey Weisenberg - working hard for the $455,000 he took from you last year. That $1,250 per day for coming up with stupid nonsense like this.

Time to heave this old corrupt fossil out!

Brendan, Just telling them to stay out of the street is not the answer. These are kids we're talking about. Telling them not to do something will not be the answer. Did you do everything you were told not to as a kid. It is the responsibility of the adults to protect them from those that have no regard for what their actions might cause. You're obviously an A-hole that feels he should be able to do what he wants.

Iaocoon-Harvey has devoted his life to the betterment of the people of Long Beach. You want him to retire fine, who do you suggest we replace him with?

When I was on the council we passed the same resolution with bi-partisan support. The LB streets needed it and it was a great first step in making our streets safer. We asked Senator Skelos and Assemblyman Weisenberg to support in their respective legislative houses. Skelos, got it through the senate, but unfortunately Weisenberg made excuses, as he usually does,. and the bill died I believe he didn't want to passed because he didn't want to do anything that made our administration look good, and as a result the entire idea when down the tubes. Harvey is one of the senior most members of the assembly; if he wants to get something passed, it passes! Just like he was able to push through the pension for himself for the job he currently holds (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/nyregion/18retire.html. Why is it that Skelos was able to pass it through at the end of the session, but Harvey wasn't. When are people going to wake up to Harvey? He is nice enough guy but the fact that we couldn't get this important bill passed and changed our speed limit falls squarely on his shoulders. I have a distinct feeling because his party controls city hall now, he will get it passed. It reminds me of the time we asked for state money to fix our Recreation center, and he only agreed under the condition that we rename and dedicate the Recreation in his honor (http://www.newsday.com/news/amid-protest-center-renamed-for-politician-1.653071?p=). Again, nice enough guy, but thats about it.

Jimmy..
Wiesenberg's office here in LB helped me a few months ago cut through some red tape and bureaucraratic bs to get money that the State owed me. He was the only politician to even answer my letters. So he does some good when he's asked.

I'd love to see some speed bumps installed here on Broadway to slow down the speeding police cars and fire trucks and ambulances that use this residential street as their speedway.
I know they are in a hurry to respond. But driving slower and safer is important to those of us who live here too. Lots of pedestrians crossing to the beach. Someones gonna get killed.

I am not saying he is bad person; he has helped in some instances. But there have been a few times, as mentioned above, when he could have done more and on those instances I questioned his motivation, or his lack thereof.

What can I tell ya, Jimmy? The Party comes first.
They're all alike,.

Another democrat friends and family hiring today! Despite the so-called "fiscal crisis", the new Democrat clubhouse administration hired yet ANOTHER friend today~ The young man was hired in the city manager's office. he is the son the couple who owns the smoke shop next to the theater in town. He was also apparently Darlene Tangney's campaign manager. We are getting his name and as soon as we have it I will post it.

Just another example of the broken campaign promise by Adelson, Torres, Fagen and Mandell.

There he goes again! Jimmy Hennessy wants to re-write history. He blames only Assemblyman Weisenberg for the resolution not being passed when the Republican Coalition controlled City Hall.
At the August 3, 2010 meeting of the City Council, I brought this issue up. You can clearly hear Mr. Theofan say "It died in the Senate." Harvey Weisenberg is a member of the New York State Assembly, not the Senate. A copy of the recording is available at the City Clerk's office. My three minutes began at 58 minutes and 40 seconds into the meeting. Perhaps Patch can post it to set the record straight.

It is very possible that Theofan doesnt know the difference between the State Senate and the Assembly. He does have his difficiencies.

I love the lesson that the kids are getting in all this crap - at school with bullying, people driving their cars down the street....if you don't like it, make the government fix it, laws can make it all better.

You want to lower the speed limit? Go ahead. The only way you're really going to prevent anyone, kids or otherwise, from getting hurt is KEEPING THEM OUT OF THE STREET.

Because in case anyone hasn't noticed, there has been quite a bit of talk recently concerning how the city has some money problems. So if you think there are going to be an armada of cops over there writing tickets for 18 in a 15, you're a delusional crackhead.

Take some personal responsibility and keep your kids out of the street. Because even if we spend the money to put up the 15MPH signs, there won't be anyone to enforce it.

If you don't want to listen to me, that's fine. But I'll say it again: KEEP YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE STREET. When the inevitable happens and a kid gets hit, I'm going to come back on Patch, like I've done before, and ask the question: "WHAT WAS THE KID DOING IN THE STREET?"

And people are going to call me "an a-hole" and everything else but the fact of the matter is this: If you stay out of the street, your chances of getting hit by a car are reduced dramatically. So keep your kids out of the street. The government can't be everywhere, protecting your sperm & egg sandwich that you dumped out, so do the right thing - AND KEEP YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE STREET.

I thought I was going to have to clear your tears off of my computer screen. Jeez, Brendan, go back to bed, you're very cranky today. The truth is that even adults get hit by cars - have you seen all the news about Hempstead Tpke? Granted some pedestrians are not paying attention, but the fact is that erratic and distracted drivers are the real culprits and enforcement has to take precedence and as taxpayers we should demand that this be adhered to. The only way it will work is if citizens bombard the police and city hall to have their voices heard and their wishes complied with.

@Lloyd 12:20 AM. Traffic safety is nothing to laugh at. Get a copy of the recording.

I agee, Brendan. It cabout time parents take responsibility for their children and stop blaming everything and everyone else.
And Misty, there are plenty of adults who ride their bikes across the street in front of traffic and pedestrians who run across the street at night dodging oncoming traffic. You cant just put it all on the drivers. How much more intolerable do you want to make it for us? Speedbumps every 10 feet?

lloyd just speedbumps on the state streets and a 15mph speedlimit simple . enjoy life slowdown

Hey Guys!
Back in the day growing up on the mean streets of Queens, we usually found parks, playgrounds, parking lots, or backyards to play ball in.
Our parents told us not to play in the street...too many hot rods, GTO's, 442's, Mustang Cobras, and Dodge Hemi's speeding thru the neighborhood.. No speedbumps or stop signs to slow them down. And we listened to our parents. I cant remember one kid getting hit by a car, but I remember kids getting hit by their parents when they didnt listen to them.
Now a rebellious kid gets sent to his room for Time Out....and play with his computer, I-Phone, .42" flat screen TV, and Sony Play Station.
Now you know why kids dont listen to their parents anymore. Why bother?

thought kids in queens grew up playing stickball in the street cars manholeole covers lamposts all in play . also stoopball kick the can etc all played in streets

500, 400, 300, and 200 Blocks of East Harrison Street and East Pine Street should also be designated for the same speed limit reduction.
Too many people are using these blocks of East Harrison and East Pine Street as thoroughfares, which both of these streets were never designed for.

Many children and pets are injured or killed each year on East Harrison and East Pine Street due to speeding drivers using these streets to avoid the red lights on Park Avenue

I grew up in Queens Village. We played stickball in a private parking lot. Baseball and football on fenced in ballfields, and basketball and handball at the playgrounds. We did play some punchball and dodgeball in the streets, but the
cars were all loud and 8 cylinders. We heard them coming a mile away. No Hybrids or Prius electric cars that are totally quiet.

Leonard..How about synchronizing the traffic lights on Park Ave to discourage shortcuts thru narrow residential streets?

These kids here have miles of free beach for nearly 9 months a year to play on. Touch football, volleyball, badmintton, or just make sand castles in the world's biggest "sandbox". They could even hang out under the boardwalk and do "teenage stuff". The possibilities are endless.
Keep the kids off the streets!

The problem can be corrected by installing RUMBLE STRIPS. No NYS legislative approval is needed. What's the excuse for not doing it? Lawsuits? No money? How about NO POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS! Politicians do nothing in this town unless you give some money.

Ok. If rumble strips make you guys happy......
How about agreeing to replace the Loop Pkway drawbridge?

Normally I'm for upping the speed limits, but when I see streets this populated and narrow it makes me wonder why they weren't given lower speed limits to begin with

we just need inforcement on the side streets when people see it enough ,the yslow down ,just like lido blvd ,we now all know the radar is by nickerson beach so we slow down' but them on side streets during the rush hour

exactly - more side street enforcement (especially at night)

You cant have our cops sitting all over the place...on quiet residential streets, waiting hours for one guy going 35 mph, while one of our Patch posters is getting hassled by a bunch of panhandling "bums" over at the LIRR train station.
So choose where you want beefed up police presence..on Cleveland St. or the train station, or catching drunk drivers on Park Ave or W Beech St. We may have to call up the National Guard to effectively patrol all those places.

Patrol all the streets

Lloyd ,i was talking about the cut threw streets Olive ,Walnut,Beach .Those are the streets that there using rush hour in the am & 7pm ,it would only take 1 car 2 hours a week .i know for a fact there's plenty of free time in between calls ,and i agree the lights should be timed better on Park .most of the speeding is people who live in our town .They would realize there going to be ticketed and use Park ,it worth a try

Is it really that bad? So if the traffic lights on Broadway and Park were synchronized to keep traffic moving uninterrupted, would that keep drivers off the side streets? I never cut thru those streets. Is it quicker that way to LiDo Blvd