By JAIME STUDD

For the Express

BROADALBIN — The Broadalbin Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to not repeal a long-standing ban that prohibits parking on Elman Street throughout the winter months.

The issue was brought before the board by Elman Street resident Mark LaPorte at its November meeting. LaPorte had argued that the ban was arbitrarily applied and had asked the board to consider altering the ban to reflect the one imposed on the remainder of the village.

The villagewide winter parking ban prohibits parking on any street between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Nov. 1 to May 1.

In response to previous requests to eliminate the ban, the village conducted a survey of Elman Street residents to gauge public reaction to the ban.

According to Mayor Eugene Christopher, of the 18 surveys that were mailed out, 13 were returned. Of those returned, 10 of the survey respondents indicated that they wished to have the ban remain in effect.

Only one Elman Street resident spoke during Tuesday night’s public hearing on the issue. He argued that the street was too narrow and steep and allowing parking would inhibit the ability of village workers to plow the road.

“I just don’t see one good reason,” said the resident. “I’ve been there 20 years and there’s been no parking. I don’t see why you’d want to change something that works.”

Several compromises were proposed, both Tuesday night and at the November meeting. Suggested solutions included allowing parking only on the upper portion of Elman Street, where it is wider and less steep, and allowing parking on one side of the road.

“Maybe we could appease both groups by allowing it up in the flatter portions,” said Trustee Lawrence Cornell.

Citing majority rule, however, the board ultimately voted to refrain from altering the ban altogether.

“In light of the fact that the majority wants to keep it the way it is, I say we keep it the way it is,” said Trustee Eric Jones.