Hempstead hearing to eye parking restrictions near NUMC

Hempstead officials plan to hold a public hearing Tuesday about a proposal to create a resident-restricted parking district in East Meadow, near Nassau University Medical Center.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed a law six months ago that allows the town to create the parking-permit district, after area residents complained that their streets are clogged by cars parked by hospital employees and patients.

Hempstead's town board could vote on the proposal after Tuesday's hearing, town spokesman Mike Deery said.

Yvonne Amato, a resident who helped lead the permit drive, said she hopes the town board approves the proposal Tuesday.

"It's very difficult navigating down our streets because of the congestion of people parking from the hospital," Amato said.

NUMC spokeswoman Shelley Lotenberg said the hospital supports the creation of the parking district.

Parking spots in the area became more scarce in June 2011 when NUMC closed a parking garage, Amato said.

The restricted streets would include Nottingham Road, Florence Court, Jane Court, Bailey Avenue, Dofena Lane, Clearmeadow Drive, Pengon Circle, Lois Court, Erma Drive, Ava Drive, Dorothy Drive, Barbara Drive, Rose Drive, Bly Road, Marion Drive, Conti Square Boulevard, and parts of Roosevelt Avenue, Jefferson Street, First Street, Second Street, Third Street, Fourth Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Franklin Avenue and Lincoln Avenue.

District residents would receive four "visitor pass" parking permits to give out, the proposal states.

Other communities in the state that have residential parking permits -- not including those related to commuter rail parking -- include Yonkers, Rensselaer, Binghamton, Mamaroneck and Albany.

The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Town Hall, 1 Washington St. in Hempstead.