The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association strongly objects to the upcoming increase in parking meter rates. Starting January 3, 2011, a quarter will buy 15 minutes at a parking meter, rather than 20 minutes.
This is the second time in less than two years that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has increased meter rates. As recently as spring of 2009, a quarter bought 30 minutes at a parking meter.
The WRBA expects this rate increase to hurt the businesses on Jamaica Avenue, which is lined with parking meters. It will also result in more parking tickets for residents and other consumers who, in these tough economic times, can hardly afford such an expense.
"This is a petty decision that will hurt average New Yorkers, like Woodhaven residents, who have to park on the street in order to go about their daily lives," said WRBA President Edward K. Wendell.
"I hope the DOT at least has the decency this time to post signs informing everyone of the change," he added. In 2009, after the last rate increase, many drivers were caught by surprise because the DOT did not post any warnings of the price hike.
"This appears to be déjà vu all over again," said WRBA Director Maria Thomson, who is also executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District and the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation. "This will really hurt small mom-and-pop stores on Jamaica Avenue, and deal a painful blow to local commercial strips across New York City."
The WRBA plans to work with Woodhaven's elected officials and other organizations to voice strong opposition to the rate increase.
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Contact:
WRBA office: (718) 296-3735
http://www.woodhaven-nyc.org/
info@woodhaven-nyc.org
