(UPDATE) Commissioner Jackson: Presidential Debate May Cause Traffic Issues

Update Oct. 10: The Nassau County Police Department has just released a list of road closures as a result of the Oct. 16 presidential debate at Hofstra. Restrictions will be in effect from approximately 6 a.m. Oct. 16 to approximately 12 a.m. Oct. 17:

• Earl Ovington Blvd. will be closed to all traffic between Hempstead Turnpike and Charles Lindbergh Blvd. from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. midnight.

• No commercial traffic will be allowed on Hempstead Turnpike between Oak Street and Merrick Ave. between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. on the day of the debate. (Westbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Merrick Ave. and Hempstead Turnpike and eastbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Oak Street and Hempstead Turnpike.)

• All lanes of Hempstead Turnpike will remain open to passenger vehicles. However motorists should expect periodic delays on Hempstead Turnpike and vicinity due to intermittent road closings throughout the day especially in the vicinity of Hofstra University’s main entrance and the Nassau Coliseum.

Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson warns there may be traffic issues on the east side of the village Oct. 16 when President Barack Obama returns to Hofstra University, this time to debate Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

Four years ago, Hofstra was the site of the final debate between Obama and challenger John McCain.

"During the debate day there will be intermittent closures," he said. "What streets and when have not been released and some may be last minute decisions. Any street in the vicinity is subject to closure."

Jackson said village police are working with the county and "other law enforcement authorities" regarding the issue.

"We just want to let the residents know that there will probably be some type of delays in that area," he said, adding delays could take place anytime between 11 a.m. and 10-11 p.m.

"While we are sure there will be some inconveniences to the residents of the East, they will only be for a short time," Judy Courtney, Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA) president, told Patch Monday. "Residents should make sure they are informed about any closures to ensure they can choose easy alternate routes."

Despite the possible delays Courtney added, "Even with these inconveniences, we are still very excited about Hofstra's hosting of the debate."

For more information about the Oct. 16 debate, watch this video.

Are you concerned about traffic? Let us know in the comments section below.