A new petition calls for the elimination of parking meters on Main Street in Bay Shore.

The Town of Islip installed the meters several years ago, and many residents say they are fed up. Opponents say the meters are a cash grab.

The Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce is now suing the town over the meters. The lawsuit wants the money collected from the meters to go to Bay Shore instead of the town.

Some Bay Shore residents who spoke with News 12 say not only are the parking meters a nuisance, but they might be keeping people from coming downtown.

"Makes it very difficult for retail to happen in the town because nobody's gonna pull over, find a parking spot, then pay for parking and run in and buy something,” says Bob Swain, of Bay Shore.

The Town of Islip tells News 12 the money made from the parking meters is improving the quality of life in the hamlet, saying in a statement, "Already completed were improved drainage, traffic calming measures, sidewalks, decorative street lighting, paving and the creation of bike lanes along the Maple Ave. corridor."

Still, some would like the town to think of another way to generate revenue for Bay Shore, instead of parking meters.

"It's not fair. We've been in Bay Shore since 1989. We've never had it and we don't want it,” says resident Guirlene Hightower.

The Town of Islip also says it works with the Chamber of Commerce and community organizations to make parking free for holidays and festivals.