Plan For Downtown Parking Meters Angers Some In Bay Shore
BAY SHORE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some business owners and residents are upset over parking meters that will be installed in downtown Bay Shore.
The town of Islip is adding 48 meters, which will be rolled out in phases, starting this year at the Long Island Rail Road station and the Maple Avenue docks.
Addition Of Downtown Parking Meters Angers Some In Bay Shore
Some are concerned the parking meters will hurt businesses, especially on Main Street, where they also are expected to be installed.
"I've noticed the meters in Lindenhurst. Lindenhurst is really going down," one longtime resident told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "More and more stores are closing. I do think meters are going to do the same thing here in Bay Shore."
Attorney Andrew Siben said his firm has collected more than 3,000 signatures from people who oppose the meters.
"One of the greatest concerns is that if people run the risk of getting ticketed along the Main Street, whether it be for dining at a restaurant while they're here or shopping at a store, they'll much rather go to the South Shore Mall," Siben said.
However, some business owners are applauding the idea because they said employees have been parking on Main Street all day long, limiting spots for customers.
A spokesperson for the town of Islip said the goal of the meters is to increase turnover to help businesses.
The town says it plans to use revenue from the meters to add cameras around the train station, improve lighting and fix up parking lots.
There will still be plenty of free parking available downtown, the spokesperson said.
