Santino kicks new initiative into gear

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony J. Santino drove to the podium in a Chevy Volt before proposing a law to reserve parking spaces at local train stations for such energy-efficient cars. Santino detailed his proposal with Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Town Councilman Gary Hudes at a press conference at the Bellmore Train Station.

“This is a great way to thank people who are driving electric cars and encourage those who are thinking of purchasing green, earth-friendly vehicles,” Santino said.

Under his proposal, which will be considered at the next Town Board meeting on Jan. 10, four spaces would be set aside for electric cars and PHEVs at train stations with town-owned parking lots, including Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick and Baldwin.

All spaces would be labeled with green spray-paint and placed within close walking distance to station platforms.

Councilman Gary Hudes reminisced about his childhood when he would read magazine articles about cars powered by electricity. “I wondered if I’d see them in my lifetime,” he said. “And now they’re in the mainstream.”

According to Santino, approximately 700 electric cars and 1,400 PHEVs are registered in Nassau County. Models include the Volt, Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV and Honda Accord PHEV.

Santino added that the town is applying for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which would allocate grant funding for electric car and PHEV charging stations at local train stations.

All parking rules and regulations would still apply to those who take advantage of these new parking spaces. This includes a $10 parking pass for commuters.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Santino spray-painted the first logo for energy efficient cars in one of the designated parking spaces at Bellmore Train Station.