The BOA has approved capital bonding for new parking meter heads with today's technology to replace mechanical meters and allow for "dynamic parking" rates, credit card acceptance, much lower maintenance costs, and many other benefits. Below is a Memo to Aldermen with an update and map from Jim Travers, interim director of Transportation, Traffic & Parking, which hopefully will clear up confusion regarding the proposal to extend meter times downtown. I'm confident all changes will include collaboration with and be in the best interest of the many City stakeholders, residents, and New Haven tax payers:
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TO: Honorable Members of the Board of
Aldermen
FROM: Jim
Travers
RE: Parking Management Program
Update on proposed extended meter
times
DATE: June 9, 2011
In an effort to
clear up any confusion regarding the change in the parking meter times, I
wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some questions and answers to
various questions we have received in the office. I intend on meeting with area merchants and
businesses to address their concerns prior to us presenting this plan to the
Traffic Authority. I have also scheduled
a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce on July 18th. We will make sure that we do ample outreach
during the early summer. If you have any
questions or if you are hearing additional concerns, please give me a call.
Questions and Answers on the City’s Parking Management Program
Q - Are you raising
the hourly meter rates?
A – There is no plan on changing the meter rate at this
time. The regular meter rate is $1.50 /
hour.
Q - Then what exactly
is changing with the parking meters?
A - The City is replacing approximately 1,000 meters with
new “smart meters”. Smart meters are
more flexible than traditional parking meters.
The City will be able to better adjust the times of day when payment is
required and the customer will be allowed to pay with a credit card.
Q - Where are you
installing the new smart meters?
A - Mainly in the Downtown and at Union Station [see map below]. On-street parking meters
represent only 13% of the available parking downtown. We are placing the new “smart meters” in a
close geographical area around central downtown to make that addressed the most
highly used area and keeping the meters together to make it easier for users to
understand.
Q - When do I need to
pay the meter?
A - In the Downtown and Union Station locations with new
smart meters, Monday – Saturday, 8:00
am – 12:00 midnight.
At all other meter locations, Monday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. Parking remains free Sunday’s and on the
national holidays at all locations.
Q - Can I feed the
meter for extra time?
A – No, all meters are subject to the time limits (eg- 1HR,
2HR, etc.), except, at the new smart meters, the parking limit maximum
time will only be in effect until 5:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., visitors can pay the new
“smart meters” for as much time as they wish, up to midnight. There will be no time limits at the
smart meters after 5:00 p.m.
Q - Should I just park
in a garage at night?
A – Public parking is available both on- and
off-street. The majority of lots and
garages have one price evening rates.
The smart meters will still allow you to pay only for the time you
need. For example, you can pay $1.50 for
one hour, or pay for a total of 7 hours (after 5:00 p.m.) if you would like. This may be a better deal for the customer.
