Unplowed LIRR parking lots raise commuter ire

At least three commuter parking lots at Long Island Rail Road stations were not completely plowed by Thursday morning, leaving some commuters frustrated.

Suffolk County officials said that for the Copiague and Wyandanch commuter lots, responsibility for plowing was recently handed over to the Town of Babylon, but that wasn't relayed to those plowing the lots.

"The parking was terrible today," said Robin Cohen Davidson, a regular commuter from the Wyandanch station. "The lot west of Straight Path was not plowed at all."

Babylon received several calls about conditions at both train stations, said a spokeswoman. Once the mistake was realized, the town sent plows to clear the lots by late morning, she said.

"It should be fine for the rush home," she said.

Babylon Town's public safety department was mindful of the problems at the two lots, and although some cars were not parked properly, gave out only two tickets, both to riders who parked in handicapped spots.

The Ronkonkoma train station, one of the major commuter hubs in Suffolk County, also had some parking lots to the south that were not completely plowed, said the county and commuters.

Suffolk County was working on clearing them Thursday, said county spokesman Mark L. Smith, adding that crews would return at night to clear areas when there are fewer cars on site.