Some people in Nyack say they weren't properly notified that a popular parking lot was closed off to the public, causing several cars to be towed.

Nyack Mayor Don Hammond says a privately owned lot between Main Street and Lydecker Street is no longer open for public parking because Rockland Community College is renting the space attached to the lot.

This comes as the college prepares to open a culinary arts school.

Residents who used the lot for years say they were never notified and no signs were posted.

One resident says notices were put on cars at first, and a week later vehicles were towed, costing some drivers as much as $300 to get their cars back.

After outcry from the community, signs were put up. Nearly a dozen spots in the private lot are reserved for village officials.

Hammond says he is looking into ways to allow residents to use the village's spots after hours.