“Massapequa Park Parking Headache: Locals Say It’s Getting Worse, Not Better”

Written By: Sofia Alvarez

 In a town known for its charm, local shops, and suburban calm, one thing is disrupting daily life for both residents and commuters: parking — or rather, the lack of it.

Ask anyone who lives or works near the Massapequa Park LIRR station, and you’ll hear the same complaint: there’s nowhere to park. Whether it’s a weekday morning commute or a quick errand on Park Boulevard, finding a parking spot has become a stressful, daily struggle for residents and visitors alike. And with no clear solution in sight, frustration is only growing. “I’ve had to leave my house 45 minutes earlier just to park,” said Melissa Alvarez, a 34-year-old commuter and mother of three. “And even then, it’s not guaranteed. I’ve missed trains, cried in my car, gotten tickets. It’s a nightmare.” Melissa, like many others in Massapequa Park, relies on the LIRR station to commute into Manhattan for work. But with a limited number of parking spots—and most of them taken before sunrise—many drivers are forced to circle for long stretches or park far from their destination. For working parents and people with tight schedules, this adds stress to what should be a routine part of the day.

The problem, residents say, has been slowly worsening as more people move into the area and traffic increases. What used to be a minor inconvenience has turned into a consistent obstacle, especially for those living or working near the village center. And it’s not just commuters feeling the impact. Joanne Caruso, who runs a small boutique near Park Boulevard, says she’s watched her customer traffic drop and it's not because business is slow, but because customers can’t find anywhere to park. “People tell me all the time they haven't come in a while because there's never a spot to park,” she said. “It’s not just bad for customers—it’s bad for every small business here.” Caruso said she often sees customers driving away after circling the block too many times. “It defeats the whole purpose of having a nice little downtown if no one wants to deal with the parking just to enjoy it,” she added. The overflow is especially visible on residential streets that border the train station.

Martin Alvarez, Melissa’s father and a retired NYPD officer, says cars line up early in the morning and stay for hours. “It used to be quiet — now I’ve got people blocking my driveway, parking half on the sidewalk,” he said. “And when you ask them to move, they act like you're the problem.” Martin has called the town a few times to report blocked driveways or unsafe parking near corners and hydrants. “Sometimes someone comes and takes a look, but usually nothing happens right away,” he said. “I don’t think the town has enough resources to keep up with it.” To help manage demand, the Village of Massapequa Park has designated permit-only zones near the LIRR station. Parking Field Nos. 1 and 2, for example, require permits from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. These measures aim to preserve parking for local residents, but some say the spots still fill up too fast. “There’s still not enough spots to go around,” said Melissa. “And people just park wherever they want anyway. It’s frustrating.” In the past, the village tested out automated systems to detect illegal parking, but no long-term system has been implemented. While enforcement exists, residents say it’s inconsistent and reactive.

Locals have made several suggestions, like building a small parking structure or expanding permit areas. However, no official plans have been announced. These issues aren’t unique to Massapequa Park. Other Long Island towns with LIRR stations and growing downtowns face similar problems. Places like Seaford, Babylon, and Rockville Centre have also seen their parking lots fill earlier in the day, leading to more cars spilling into residential zones. “It’s not like we’re asking for something no one else deals with,” said Joanne. “But some towns are finding creative solutions. I just hope we do the same.”

Parking issues have become a common topic in Facebook groups such as “Massapequa Park Neighbors.” Residents often post about busy blocks, share photos of crowded areas, or offer parking tips for newcomers. Posts range from friendly suggestions to annoyed complaints. “It’s become a regular topic,” said Joanne. “You can scroll through and see someone talking about it every few days. We’re all in the same boat.” Many residents say they understand the town has limitations, but hope to see a more coordinated solution in the future. Some believe stricter time enforcement in business zones could help increase turnover and open more spots throughout the day. Some also suggest using signage more effectively. Melissa pointed out that signs near the station are sometimes confusing or hard to read, which leads to tickets or people unknowingly parking where they shouldn’t. “I’ve gotten a ticket because I didn’t realize the rules changed after 3 p.m.,” she said. “If the signs were clearer, a lot of that could be avoided.”

The parking situation also affects daily routines in small but meaningful ways. Whether it’s arriving late to appointments, leaving earlier than usual, or adjusting where to shop, the lack of accessible parking shapes decisions residents make throughout the day. “It’s not the worst problem to have, but it’s still a real one,” said Martin. “People just want to be able to park near where they live or work. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask.” Melissa agreed and added her own sentiment. “Parking might seem like a small thing to complain about. But when it makes your day harder every single day, it becomes a big thing." The town has not publicly committed to any major parking expansions or redesigns, but residents remain hopeful for action over time. Until then, drivers in Massapequa Park continue to adapt—circling blocks, checking Facebook threads, and leaving home earlier than they’d like. “Most of us aren’t expecting a miracle,” Joanne said. “We’d just like some small changes that make everyday life a little easier.”