By Larry Penner
There are other options to building a multi-story parking structure at the existing municipal parking lot on 214th Place and 41st Avenue. These could provide additional parking that the “Bayside parking study begins” (Bayside Times – March 13) did not mention.
Why not approach the Metropolitan Transportation Authority/ Long Island Rail Road for utilization of air rights over both the tracks and platforms at the Bayside LIRR station?
Construction of a street level deck could easily provide dozens of parking spaces directly adjacent to Bell Boulevard. They could be allocated on a 50-50 basis between LIRR commuters and local shoppers. LIRR riders would benefit by being protected from rain, snow and wind. It is possible to both design and construct a deck which could preserve natural light for those on the LIRR platform level.
Another option is to replace the existing Bayside LIRR ticket office and adjacent drop-off area with a multi-story parking garage. A replacement ticket office could be built as part of the parking garage or over the existing overpass which connects both inbound and outbound platforms. A portion of the funding for constructing either option could be obtained from the MTA 2015-2019 Five-Year Capital Program allocated for expansion of LIRR commuter parking.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
