Lawmakers voice frustration at Nassau Coliseum parking fees

<p>Concertgoers told News 12 that they paid $40 to park for the Billy Joel concert at the new venue's opening night.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2017, 11:33 PM

Updated 2,722 days ago

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Lawmakers voice frustration at Nassau Coliseum parking fees
Some Nassau County lawmakers are calling on County Executive Ed Mangano to negotiate a fairer parking rate at the Nassau Coliseum.
Concertgoers told News 12 that they paid $40 to park for the Billy Joel concert at the new venue's opening night.
Legislator Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview) went as far as to call the price "straightforward price gouging."
In some cases, Coliseum patrons have opted to park elsewhere instead of paying the fee.
"People are parking on the south side of Hempstead Turnpike, in the Uniondale community causing a lot of troubles for everyday residents who just want to park in front of their homes," says Legislator Carrie Solages (D-Elmont).
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign's latest report named Hempstead Turnpike Nassau County's most dangerous roadway for foot traffic. From 2012 to 2014, 12 pedestrians were killed on the turnpike.
Executive Mangano says he has contacted the operator to express the frustration of residents and is also considering providing capital funding for buses from the Long Island Rail Road and pedestrian bridges to the Coliseum.
In a statement to News 12, CEO of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment Brett Yormark said in part, "We believe our parking fees are priced fairly and competitively with family shows ranging from $5 to $15 and concerts at $30. Special events, which occur on a limited basis, are $40 on site. "