Parking in many Long Island towns has become a huge headache for both visitors and business owners alike, especially during the busy holiday season. Retailers and restaurant owners want more spaces so customers don’t get frustrated and go somewhere else to spend their cash. Shoppers just want to enjoy the beautiful walkable downtowns without a hassle.
Huntington has taken a step to help alleviate that problem.
In a statement, Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci announced that a lot at the northwest corner of New York Avenue and Gerard Street in Huntington Village is now open for parking after the Town recently took possession of the property.
The Town said it has opened a former Chase Bank parking lot for free parking. The existing lot has 30 marked spaces: 29 regular and 1 handicap.
The plan is keep the parking lot open through the holiday season. Demolition of the former Chase Bank building will start next year and reconstruction of the lot, which will combine the former bank lot with the adjacent existing municipal lot located to the north.
“This immediate expansion of our parking supply will more than double in 2020 when the temperature is optimal for paving,” said Lupinacci.
The Town Board approved the purchase this May, in an amount not to exceed $3,050,000, of the property at 295 New York Avenue, Huntington, at the corner of Gerard Street. The plan is to add 71 new municipal parking spaces to downtown Huntington village, including 3 handicapped parking spots.