Patchogue considers metered parking

Patchogue’s unfettered downtown street parking might soon fall under a meter system, according to village officials.

At Monday’s board meeting, Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger floated the idea of meters on Main Street, South Ocean Avenue, and around the parking lots for the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, the Congregational Church of Patchogue, and the ferries. As at least one audience member groaned, Krieger said he thought the idea would help bring money to Patchogue.

“I think the kind of revenue we can generate will help the village,” Krieger said.

After the meeting, Mayor Paul Pontieri said initial estimates are that the village could generate $250,000 a year from 1,000 parking spots downtown.

“Some of the retail people on Main Street feel like it would be a detriment, but they also feel like we need additional parking and you need to fund it somehow, and through a source other than taxing,” Pontieri said. “Downtown has turned into a destination for dining and entertainment.”

The next step is to meet with consultants and meter companies for cost estimates, he said.

Photo: Downtown Patchogue