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The metering of Bay Shore will take another step on Nov. 1.
That’s when digital kiosks are expected to be up and operating in the downtown.
Work is taking place along Main Street to get the pads down, kiosks up and road marked, said Islip Town Councilman John Cochrane Jr., who initiated and is spearheading implementation of Bay Shore’s parking management plan.
That plan saw metering programs installed at Town of Islip lots at the Maple Avenue dock in 2015, outside the train station in January, and at the Bay Shore Marina in June.
The cost to park on Main Street and some of the side streets, such as Maple and Ocean avenues, is going to be $.25 for 20 minutes — or $.75 per hour.
The metered parking areas will stretch from Fifth Avenue to Gibson Street. There will be free 15-minute parking spots available in front of certain downtown business.
“All the places that have takeout, or clients coming in or out, will have free spots,” Cochrane said.
Islip Town officials are expected to release next month a map outlining where the kiosks and free spots will be located, the hours of operation, and other details.
That map will be available at isliptown-ny.gov.
The metering program, which has been controversial, is purposely being implemented in stages to allow for resident feedback and adjustments, Cochrane said.
He said the plan is a necessary one because an ever-growing number of apartment tenants and employees in the booming downtown are clogging up spots.
“This is not another tax,” he said, responding to a frequent criticism of the town’s program. “It’s a management fee, because we have to get our parking back for the people utilizing our parks and the Main Street businesses.”
Meters will be installed in the lots behind Main Street next year, likely in the spring, he said.
Click here to learn more about the lots that are currently metered.
Check back at greaterbayshore.com for updates.
Photo: East Main Street looking south from Third Avenue. (Michael White)
