Last week, it was announced that the Town of Hempstead would be launching a pilot program at the Bellmore and Merrick railroad stations.
Parking has been a bone of contention for residents, many of which complain that there are no space left for them after 7 a.m., since they are filled by many people from other place, such as Town of Oyster Bay or Town of Babylon.
Now, about 10 percent of the spaces will be reserved for Town of Hempstead residents with a valid pass.
However, that didn't ease the mind of some Patch readers. See what some of your friends and neighbors think about the pilot program below.
(Editor's note: Some comments have been edited for grammar and spelling.)
Tina: About time! Not only are there people from other towns parking and take the train I have seen the parking lot used as a meeting point. A group of people park and then car pool. They are going taking up intended spots for commuters.
Fay: Long overdue!
Michael: If only 10 percent of the spaces are reserved for TOH residents, nothing will change except that some people will pay the fee.
Manny: I am a senior citizen who likes to travel to the city but i cant because after 8 a.m., there are no spots. I live in Bellmore so i am doomed to incarceration. 50 percent of spots should be reserved for residents of Bellmore Merrick area.
Michael: If the restrictions apply to only 10 percent of the parking spaces, how could the restrictions possibly help at all? The 10 percent will be taken by TOH residents and then the lot will be filled at 7:30 a.m. I'm surprised people didn't realize this.
Hubie Brooks: [The lot] should be permit only; $3 for residents and $300 for non-residents. 10 percent of the lots should have no permit necessary.
Peter: 10 percent of how many spots? Also is the permit just for residents of Bellmore or TOH? If its TOH then 10 percent will not be enough.
Linda: I agree that 10 percent is not enough for TOH, although I do know people who live in West Babylon who drive to Merrick to take the train. The other issue continues to be RU Auto Body, who take up most of the spots in the lot between Hewlett Ave and Kees Place, and Northeast Windows and Doors – all their employees park in that lot although they have their own parking lot! I currently leave earlier than I need to just to get a spot at Merrick, or end up parking at Freeport, where even at 8:10 a.m. I can get a spot in the non-resident lot. Am actually thinking of purchasing a Freeport non-resident parking sticker (around $100/year).
Do you agree with them? Disagree? Sound off in the comment box below!
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