Hidden Valley Association – Meriden, CT

Dear Neighbors,

I am writing to encourage all neighbors and friends to park their vehicles in ways that will improve safety and decrease the chance for damage to cars.  This post is the sum of the many suggestions given by neighbors and the frustrations they have felt.

Parking while waiting for school bus: Only park on right side of road at least 15ft back from stop sign

This will maintain an open intersection for cars to get by while neighbors are waiting for the school bus and loading/unloading cars.  When vehicles park on both sides of the intersection, the path for moving vehicles is very small and the danger to children is greatly increased.  Any vehicles coming through this area must be extra vigilent to move slowly and carefully.

Stopping for school busses:  All vehicle traffic in all directions must stop when red lights are flashing

If a bus is picking up children and its red lights are flashing, all vehicle traffic must stop.  This is CT law and has been witnessed as a problem in the past.  Do not proceed through the intersection, even if you are turning away from the bus.  I know waiting in the morning can be very frustrating, but a child’s safety is simply not worth the 1-2 minutes that may be added to one’s commute.

Parking on Hidden Valley roads:  Do not park directly across from cars on opposite side of road

Parking directly across from cars on the opposite side of the road produces many threats to safety and property.  Because our roads are narrower than typical city roads, the open path is dramatically reduced when cars park across from each other.  This narrow path is difficult to navigate for other cars and especially for large emergency vehicles.  Backing cars out of drive ways can be nearly impossible and creates many blinds spots.  Vehicle damage has already occured because of this situation.  Please park vehicles in driveways as much as possible and never park opposite another car when on the street.  Either park on the same side as the other vehicles near your home or down the road slightly.  Also, remind your guests to do the same.  During parties, please ask guests to park further down the road or on adjoining roads.

Following these guidelines will improve safety, decrease the potential for damage, and generally facilitate the flow of traffic in and out of the neighborhood.  I appreciate your help in this area.

Thanks,

Steve Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.