Metering parking spaces in Cedarhurst

New features include free time, paying by credit card and a smartphone app

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Nearly 700 new parking meters covering 1,540 spaces in the Village of Cedarhurst have caused consternation for some, a short-lived backlash and now a period of learning about the modern devices as all the meters are expected to be programmed by the end of this week, village officials said.

The new meters allow motorists 10 free minutes before demanding payment by coin or credit card for a maximum of four hours. The meters, installed by Minnetonka, Minnesota-based Municipal Parking Systems, also come with an app that smartphone users can access to alert them when they need to “feed the meter,” their time is up and where to find the nearest open parking space.

Initially, there was backlash against the new meters, especially regarding the four-hour max time to be in a spot. Some people, most likely business owners and/or their employees parked nearest the stores all day. Now they have to move their vehicles after four hours. The meters also sense when a vehicle pulls into a spot.

A grievance letter was circulated throughout the village last month decrying the issues with the new meters. The Herald called the persons who claimed responsibility for the letter. “We discussed [this] and we can’t speak on the record,” they responded in an email. The business owners said they were “ready to explain the very real grievances of residents and business owners,” off the record. They did not respond to calls and emails for further comment.

The village emailed a newsletter to residents and business owners that was also posted on its website about the new meters. One of the more vexing issues was regarding the in-meter camera. Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock said that the photo image is only used if a ticket is generated. “It makes it very hard realistically for a person to fight a ticket,” he said, adding the photos are disposed of after the matter is settled. On average 50 percent of motorists don’t put money in the meters, the mayor added.

Weinstock said that the village currently collects nearly $1.8 million in parking meter revenue and fines annually. The contract with Municipal Parking Systems (MPS) guarantees Cedarhurst $2 million, the mayor said. Should revenue fall below that figure the company makes up the difference. The cost of maintaining and operating the meters is shared between the village and MPS, Weinstock said.

Steve Schneider, the chairman of the Cedarhurst Business Improvement District (BID), acknowledged there were startup problems, which were discussed at the organization’s meetings, he said. The BID is a group of business owners and landlords who, in collaboration with the village, fund enhancements to the downtown area, ranging from sidewalk repair to tree lighting.

“A car pulled in, the person sat in the car and talked on their cell phone, then they would get out to put money in the meter and they were locked out, that problem was corrected,” Schneider said. “That was one of the worst problems.”
Being able to use a credit card is definitely a convenience because people don’t always have quarters and having the inspectors know exactly when the meters have expired makes enforcement more efficient, Schneider said “I remain skeptical about having a private company,” he added.

Far Rockaway resident Sarah Frank said she shops daily in the village and views the new meters positively. “I think it’s very smart, their good and it’s very easy,” Frank said. Aaron Mandelbaum, a Far Rockaway native and salesman, who occasionally does business in Cedarhurst, said the new meters are a “good thing,” especially the free time.

Have an opinion about the new parking meters? Send your letter to the editor to jbessen@liherald.com.