As downtown Riverhead continues to be revitalized, parking has become an increasing problem in the community.

In an effort to promote business growth in 1960s, the town created a downtown parking district – meaning any new business didn't have to supply its own parking area. With the recent explosion in growth, parking spaces have become very limited.

"When the town wasn't doing anything, we didn't need the parking. Now that things are happening…we need it," says Riverhead Town Councilman John Dunleavy. 

The town is trying to free up so-called "green zone" parking spaces in a municipal lot. Cars are able to park there for a maximum of three hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, residents in a nearby apartment complex use the lot for their cars overnight, which takes away spaces for people heading to downtown bars and restaurants. 

The town is proposing to enforce the three-hour maximum parking time until midnight, which would force apartment residents like Richie Willis to find another place to park. 

A hearing on the proposal is slated to begin at Riverhead Town Hall at 7 p.m.