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Parking Meters Take the Hassle Out of Parking
To the Editor:
From his perch in Nelsonville, Brandon del Pozo has done those of us who live and pay taxes in Cold Spring a great service. His July 9 letter to the PCNR puts into one place nearly all the known misconceptions about metered parking,
He argues that metered parking will "hassle" visitors and keep them away. Like the claim that the world is flat, it seems plausible, at first, that charging for parking will keep visitors away. In town after town the world over, though, what actually happens is that the gentle nudge of metered parking makes more spaces available - and makes it much more convenient to park. Tourists spend less time cruising around looking for a parking space (and wasting expensive gas) and more time inside shops and restaurants.
Del Pozo also suggests that metering would harm the overall "tone" of the village. He may be thinking about the ugly, oldfashioned silver meters with balky coin drops stationed at every parking space. The new equipment is sturdy and unobtrusive; each unit handles up to 10 spaces and takes credit cards. My wife and I have visited many picturesque towns in England, and their charm is undiminished by the smart meters placed along their streets and in their parking lots.
Del Pozo dismisses the revenue meters could generate. Yet the evidence is strong that meters can make a lot of money for communities - and especially for "destination" places like Cold Spring. A few hundred grand a year might be chump change to Mr. del Pozo, but, hey, as a Cold Spring taxpayer, I'll take it!
A survey taken in Cold Spring a year ago, as well as a public forum last October, showed widespread dissatisfaction with parking. Metered parking is only one part of a much larger review of parking in Cold Spring being undertaken by the Special Board assigned to develop a comprehensive plan for the village. Those of us working on the plan hope to be able to present a parking proposal this fall that will address citizen concerns. And yes, boost revenues.
Michael J. Armstrong
Cold Spring
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