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Como parking ban upsetting to some
Parking along Como Park Boulevard will be restricted after road repairs and improvements are completed by the Erie County Highway Department, and while at least one homeowner supports the restriction, a neighboring business does not, stating the restrictions could ruin his business.
William Goeseke, owner of the tavern/restaurant Bellevue Hotel, said that his business relies on roadside parking on the weekends. He added that he favors banning parking on one side of the street, but not both.
Supervisor James J. Jankowiak said that Erie County will not make road improvements without a parking ban and enforcement.
"They want no parking along the shoulders of both sides of the road because of the turn, bend and bike path," Jankowiak explained.
The Bellevue Hotel sits along Como Park at a point where nearby there is a blind curve and a dangerous "Y"-style intersection with Bennett Road.
Goeseke said there were 23 vehicles parked along Como Park last Friday, and 25 on Saturday.
A planned parking expansion on his property would accommodate 14 vehicles in the rear, and a pending lease with the neighboring Buffalo Crushed Stone quarry would give him "ample" parking.
"I'd like to have that done as soon as possible, but resources are limited," Goeseke said, explaining that "procedures" continually hold him up.
"I can't just drop $20,000 to have someone do a survey or (topographical map) or install drainage, or bring in a plumber for tie-ins to sewer lines," Goeseke said.
If town engineers approve his parking plan, Goeseke said that the additional 14 spaces could be installed "by the end of summer."
Goeseke said that he has nearly $400,000 invested in the hotel, but he is becoming frustrated with additional demands from the town.
"I've followed every guideline that I've been told to follow," Goeseke said. "Each time, I reach a point where I'm told to do something else."
Goeseke suggested a seasonal or weather-related parking ban, but Jan- kowiak said it would be a difficult code to enforce.
Patrons parking across the street at the Bellevue Fire hall is not an attractive option for Goeseke, because of liability issues and the possibility of someone being struck by a car while crossing Como Park.
Councilmember Thomas M. Johnson said that the parking ban wouldn't take effect until road improvements are completed, which may not be until 2008.
Restricting parking along Como Park would suit the Bellevue hotel's neighbor June Papero just fine. She and her late husband have been at odds with the Bellevue Hotel almost since the new owner took over.
Patrons parking in front of her home continually frustrates her because they flick cigarette butts on her lawn and use foul language. A former neighbor once cited similar complaints.
"This is supposed to be a residential area," Papero told the board at its February 26 meeting. "It's miserable."
Papero and her husband attempted to stop Goeseke's plan to install lighted sand volleyball courts in the rear of the Bellevue Hotel's property and urged the Cheektowaga Zoning Board of Appeals to turn down the plan. The courts were approved.
According to Papero, the volleyball lights shine into her yard and home at night, and the referee's whistle is distracting.
In addition to Goeseke, some residents are also worried about how the parking prohibition will affect them.
One man who recently moved into the neighborhood said he has a large family, and wondered where visitors would park if he hosted a party.
A person whose vehicle is towed for illegal parking will find he must dig deeper into his wallet to pay the towing and impound fees. That's because the town board has approved a new fine schedule. See the legal notices for more information.
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