Town Of Hempstead Reserving More Commuter Spaces For Residents

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Town of Hempstead has unveiled a plan to greatly increase the number of resident-only parking spaces reserved for commuters.

Similar initiatives have been put in place in communities, like Glen Cove.

Now, 6,400 spaces will be designated as resident-only at Long Island Rail Road stations in Bellmore, Seaford, Wantagh, Merrick and Baldwin, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

Bellmore resident Bill Cook has been using the train to get to work since 1992.

"You learn very early on that if you're not there at a certain time, forget about getting a parking spot," Cook said. "You think parking in a parking lot doesn't dictate your lifestyle, it does. You're starting your day off all stressed out."

Residents have complained of commuters from other areas taking up the spaces.

Town Supervisor Anthony Santino said Suffolk County residents are parking in the town lots to save money on a monthly ticket.

"The communities where they live is where they should be parking," Santino said. "We think that this will make a major difference in the lives of local town residents."

Residents would need to purchase a $10-yearly pass.