Patchogue village officials consider temporary moratorium on businesses amid parking shortage

The Village of Patchogue may be thriving, but a shortage in parking has some officials considering a temporary moratorium on some new businesses.
Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri says officials will hold a public hearing on whether to put a moratorium on bar and restaurants in the downtown area until the parking problem is resolved.
He says offices and retails stores, however, would still be allowed because the number of employees and customers attached to those businesses don't have nearly as large of an impact on parking.
Some residents say a moratorium is not needed, while others say parking is so bad it's needed.
Pontieri says officials are looking at at least three areas in the village where parking could either be expanded or have a parking garage built.
The public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27.