Town Files Motion To Purchase Hicksville Parking Lot

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay has begun eminent domain proceedings to purchase a parking area near the Hicksville LIRR station.

The town filed a motion earlier this month in Supreme Court to have the property condemned, so that it may purchase it. The Town Board voted unanimously in November to condemn the property, which is the first step to being able to purchase it through eminent domain.

The lot, which is located on Barclay Street, is currently being maintained by the town as a parking lot. However, the town says that it leases the property through a month-to-month rental agreement, which could be ended at any time. The town hopes that by condemning, and then buying, the property, it can keep it as much-needed parking.

According to the town, the MTA decided not to build a parking structure in Hicksville, which already has a shortage of spaces for LIRR riders. And as the LIRR's Third Track project completes, ridership is expected to increase.

Town officials have said they're concerned the lot may be sold or converted into something other than a parking lot, which would reduce the parking at the busy train station even more. The town wants to purchase the property to make sure it remains a parking lot.

The town has not said how much it is seeking to purchase the property for. However, the lawyer for the property owners told Newsday that the town's offer was a "non-starter" for her clients.