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Demanding Answers: What Is The Plan For Commuters When Oyster Bay Parking Lot Shuts This Summer?

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - The Hicksville LIRR train station is the busiest on Long Island: some 6,000 commuters use it every morning.

So where are they going to park when the nearby Town of Oyster Bay municipal garage on Duffy Avenue closes for three months?

The $35 million garage - which is only seven years old - has to undergo massive structural repairs: 1,440 parking spots will be gone during June, July and August.

There are more than 41,000 valid parking permits, and only 6,891 spaces available - the number will shrink once the lot is closed.

More: Hicksville Commuters Concerned About Parking Problem When Municipal Lot Closes For Summer Repairs

CBS2's Jennifer McLogan demanded answers from Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino on Friday.

"Well, the problem began before I came to the Town of Oyster Bay. But I am here to clean it up and make sure that we are providing plenty of parking our residents," he said. "We're looking at all sites from Broadway Commons to the Sears lot and we're initiating an off-site shuttle service to ensure that we make it as convenient as possible for all of our commuters."

Saladino also said they chose the summer, because there are fewer riders.

The town said the garage's cracked ceilings, falling concrete, leaks and vents must be fixed now.

McLogan asked the new Long Island Rail Road president if he could help.

"I understand about the parking garage situation, and it's something that we'll focus on. We'll work with the town to minimize any disruption to them," Phillip Eng said.

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