Village officials are weighing changes to Middle Neck Road based on a Rutgers University traffic study, while residents near a proposed 60-unit apartment development are pressing for action over concerns that the project will bring more traffic to their neighborhood.

The Village of Great Neck Board of Trustees discussed the traffic study and the North Road residents’ concerns at its Tuesday, Sept. 15 meeting, along with routine Department of Public Works business and the purchase of new equipment.

The Rutgers study examined four to five intersections between Baker Hill Road and Hicks Lane. Among the options discussed was reducing Middle Neck Road to one through lane with dedicated turn lanes. The study found the change would not materially increase travel time and could improve safety. Because Middle Neck Road is controlled by Nassau County, the village plans to review the recommendations before sending them to the county.

Department of Public Works Superintendent James Neubert reported on ongoing drainage and asphalt work ahead of the seasonal closure of the asphalt plant. He said the village’s roughly year-old sanitation trucks have been performing well, with larger trucks and high-compaction equipment reducing the number of trips to the dump.

The department also issued 131 notices of violation in August, resulting in 47 summonses. Neubert said the violations involved improper sanitation drop-off, putting material out incorrectly or putting out excessive amounts, as well as construction debris. He said DPW staff and code enforcement officials have been responding quickly to complaints. Rising diesel fuel costs, however, are putting additional pressure on the department’s budget.

The meeting became heated when seven residents from North and Forest roads entered and interrupted the board to raise concerns about the 60-unit Gesher Center apartment development at 733 Middle Neck Road.