Business Owner Suggests Paid Parking Alternative in Greenport

At least one Greenport Village business owner thinks a paid parking facility might be a good way to ease parking woes and serve as an economic generator for the municipality.

Marc LaMaina, owner of Lucharitos, believes paid parking would address a host of concerns.

"With Greenport becoming even more of a food,wine, and beer mecca, there is, in my opinion, a dire need for additional parking options in the downtown village area," he said. "I predict this summer will be a wake-up call to the village in regard to parking and the opportunity it presents to, if properly managed, be a major cash cow for the village."

LaMaina said the addition of a pay-to-park structure, whether it be a two or three-story parking garage or a typical, Muni Meter parking lot system, could prove a boon for the area.

"This would be a godsend for small businesses and also the many many locals that stay out of downtown Greenport in the summer months because there is nowhere to park," he said.
And, he added, the owners of Claudio's, "have, it right in their parking structure for their business on the wharf. I think the time has come for the Village to capitalize on the blood and sweat equity local businesses, and a strong and connected local community, put into this Village to make it such a summer destination," he said.
Funds generated from a paid parking facility, could be used for "a litany of community uses," LaMaina said. For example, 100 spaces at $1 an hour, 12 hours a day, could equal $1200 per day, at minimum of 90 days per year -- or $100,000 for the summer season.
"It's an idea that needs to be taken seriously," he said. 
Greenport Village Mayor David Nyce did not immediately return a call for comment about the idea.
A proposal to install parking meters in the village was voted down in March of 2012. 

What do you think about the idea of a pay-to-park facility in Greenport? Let us know in the comments section.