We are lucky to have several new food establishments
at The Longmeadow Shops. Since Max
Burger and Peachwave opened over the summer, there have been many more cars in
the parking lot. I have never seen it so full! The place is especially crowded
on Thursdays when the Farmer’s Market is open near the old Friendly’s location.
The shopping area was designed long ago and it is not easy to maneuver trucks
and SUVs into and out of the tight spots.
It is obviously tricky in front of Starbucks, as people get dropped off
to go inside for a quick drink.
On a recent sunny September day, we sat at a table
outside The Semolina Bread Company, enjoying a delicious lunch. As we ate our wrap sandwiches, we noticed the
increased congestion right away. We
counted several Connecticut cars parked near us. I always thought the parking area was
awkwardly designed; and we witnessed some bizarre traffic patterns. Some cars were making U-turns to find
spots. Bad parking jobs were pretty
typical, with people sitting in handicapped spots or double-parking near
CVS. The time has come to re-design the
placement of the parking spots. It is
especially complicated near the entrance to Max Burger where people drive close
to the sidewalk and outdoor patio. A
speeding car could be dangerous and perhaps we need a deeper pedestrian
sidewalk.
Let’s welcome the
changes in traffic flow and keep the place safe at the same time! I hope the
management can place traffic signs within the parking area to guide the flow of
vehicles, walkers and bikers.
submitted by Betsy Port
