'Hot Button' Parking Meter Proposal For LI Business District

LONG BEACH, NY — Citing a half-billion debt and long-term liabilities, the city of Long Beach is proposing parking meters for the central business district.

The measure was discussed at a virtual city council meeting on Wednesday.

John McNally, a spokesperson for the city, addressed the council via Zoom, calling the topic a "hot button issue."

Since the new administration came into office two years ago, the government has been seeking ways to fix the finances, but they "did not want to overly burden" residents," McNally says.

For now, parking on Park Avenue, the main thoroughfare in town, does not cost residents or visitors.

"Free parking is not free," McNally contends. "The taxpayers are bearing the cost for street sweeping, pavement replacing [and] street lighting."

By installing meters, McNally said the expenses would hopefully be "shared by all 35,000 residents."

He said there is frustration when many customers can't get to the shop they want because spots are often filled. The metering system would "produce that turnover to benefit the businesses," McNally said.

The template is in place with successful downtowns using parking meters, including Rockville Centre and Patchogue, he said.

It was part of a second working session with council members to fine-tune the proposal before any vote.