Use existing lots for Port Washington
A commuter leaves his car on the street in Port Washington (June 2, 2011). Credit: Ed Betz
Your editorial, "Stop the circling in Port Washington" [June 16] completely misses the point about parking. The reality is, parking is not only a problem for commuters, it is a problem for homeowners.
Not all homeowners who live near the station use the Long Island Rail Road to commute to work. Before the parking restrictions existed, coming home from a late shift meant not finding a parking space on my street at all. The residents need the protection.
A real solution for the commuter parking problem is the underused parking that already exists at Hempstead Harbor Park and Bar Beach Park. These parking lots are essentially empty on weekdays. A part-time shuttle bus running every 15 minutes during the commuting hours would do the job. It could use green technology and be a model transportation solution. Parking fees could be collected on the bus, or through a monthly pass.
I'm sure that the LIRR and the Town of North Hempstead could work something out. It's a lot cheaper than building a parking garage.
Kevin Hickson, Port Washington
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