More NYC parking meters could rake in $1B, think-tank tells Mamdani — as locals blast 'money grab'
Share this @internewscast.com

A new study suggests New York City could generate an additional $1.3 billion annually by significantly expanding metered parking, a proposal the Mamdani administration acknowledges as necessary.

However, both local residents and business owners have criticized the idea, accusing the Democratic socialist mayor of seeking extra funds to cover his numerous promised benefits.

“It’s absurd! This is just a tactic to fund the giveaways, and, as usual, it’s at the expense of poorer communities,” complained Marcel Crandon, a 56-year-old manager of an extermination company based in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, an area likely to be affected.

Despite the backlash, the Center for an Urban Future, a think tank, argues in its report that raising parking costs in commercial zones could significantly increase city revenue. They also suggest this move could enhance turnover for local businesses and alleviate the congestion caused by drivers searching for scarce parking spots.

New York City encompasses over 12,000 miles of curb space, offering more than 3 million street parking slots.

Yet, only 80,000 of these spaces, or less than 2.5%, are metered, according to the Urban Future report.

The number of metered spots should be increased by at least 25% to achieve financial and congestion goals, the group said.

The city could also implement peak-time pricing for street parking, citing the success of the current congestion pricing program, the report said.

The city Department of Transportation once experimented with peak meter pricing under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but the program was dropped, apparently because it was so unpopular.

“That’s a costly missed opportunity,” the think tank said in its report. “The city’s current parking meter program generates about $258 million in revenue annually—a figure that is essentially flat over the past decade after adjusting for inflation.”

Asked about the push for more meters, a City Hall rep told The Post on Monday that Mayor Zohran Mamdani is open to updating the Big Apple’s parking rules.

“New York City’s parking rules haven’t meaningfully changed since the 1950s, when overnight street parking was first legalized. But our streets have,” the spokesman said.

“With the rise of home deliveries, cycling, and outdoor dining, curb space is more contested than ever.

“The Mamdani administration is committed to modernizing how we manage our curbs — reforming metering strategies and rethinking how curb lanes can better serve all New Yorkers,” the representative added.

In its report, Urban Future specifically cited a four-block stretch on Nostrand Avenue between Halsey and Madison streets in Brooklyn that doesn’t have metered parking — “despite boasting multiple businesses and being directly adjacent to the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District.”

But don’t tell that to local shopkeepers and residents in the neighborhood.

They claimed that imposing metered parking on their streets was a cash grab that would hurt business and cause more congestion.

“That’ll kill all these little businesses,” said Maurice Brown, 61, a barber at Don’s and Divas at 399 Nostrand Ave.

“Businesses here are just making it, and now people are not going to want to come here because they don’t want to pay the meters or get the tickets,” he said.

“They’ll just go somewhere else. It’s not cool. This is not a business neighborhood. People are barely making it here! Barely!”

Crandon said, “The poorer people are always the ones paying the bills.”

Bryan Nieves, 35, clerk at the Madison Deli and Grill, at 383 Nostrand, and a local resident, said metered parking will just push customers to park on the side streets.

“There’s no spots on my block now,” Nieves said.

Miriam L., a 32-year-old mom with two daughters, said finding parking on residential streets will be a nightmare if metered parking is installed on Nostrand.

“This is a residential neighborhood. Try your little experiment out somewhere else, please!” she said.

Metered Park charges vary by location, according to the city Department of Transportation’s meter map.

Parking in the core Midtown and Downtown Manhattan business districts costs $5.50 for the first hour.

Metered parking for the first hour is $2.50 in downtown Brooklyn and the commercial strips in Flushing and Jamaica, Queens.

It’s $2 for the first hour in all other city retail districts and $1.50 at other metered parking spots.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Iran shares video of destroyed US aircraft blown up amid daring rescue mission

Iran Releases Footage of US Aircraft Destruction Amid Bold Rescue Operation

Iranian state media recently circulated images and footage that allegedly depict the…
Artemis II flies by moon in first, historic look at the lunar dark side

Artemis II Unveils the Moon’s Mysterious Dark Side: A Historic First Look

On Monday, Artemis II embarked on its monumental journey, conducting a historic…
Video shows Israeli woman knocked to the ground as missile explodes next to her -- before getting up and walking away

Shocking Video: Israeli Woman Survives Close Call as Missile Detonates Nearby, Walks Away Unscathed

Astonishing footage captured the moment an Israeli civilian was sent sprawling to…
Here's what Amazon, UPS, FedEx fuel surcharge means for buyers

Understanding Amazon, UPS, and FedEx Fuel Surcharges: What Buyers Need to Know

Americans should brace themselves for tightening budgets as industry specialists caution against…
Los Angeles, California shooting: Bomb squad called after traffic stop in Sun Valley, police fatally shoot dog

Bomb Squad Responds Following Traffic Stop in Sun Valley; Police Involved Shooting Results in Dog’s Death

In Los Angeles, a routine traffic stop escalated into a tense situation…
Accused drug dealer 'rolls up' to Long Island court with super conspicuous hoodie

Long Island Court Drama: Accused Dealer Makes Bold Fashion Statement with Eye-Catching Hoodie

In a courtroom appearance that left little to the imagination, a Long…
'Good to be home' | Savannah Guthrie returns to 'TODAY' show after mother's disappearance

Savannah Guthrie Rejoins ‘TODAY’ Show Following Her Mother’s Disappearance

Savannah Guthrie has been noticeably missing from NBC’s “TODAY” show since her…
Neptune Beach to send unpaid parking tickets to collections

Neptune Beach Cracks Down on Unpaid Parking Violations: Collections Agency Now Involved

The chief of police in Neptune Beach has revealed that the city…
LA’s Burbank Airport is getting a Hollywood-inspired makeover — but first — travel delays

Burbank Airport Embarks on Hollywood-Themed Revamp Amid Anticipated Travel Delays

Los Angeles’ quickest airport is set to undergo a transformation inspired by…
DSA-backed city attorney challenger Marissa Roy pushes two-day-a-month office rule

City Attorney Candidate Marissa Roy Advocates for Flexible Two-Day Office Policy

In a surprising move, a candidate for the position of Los Angeles…
Archaeologists uncover mysterious Christian artifact near waters tied to Jesus' ministry: 'No known parallel'

Archaeologists Discover Unique Christian Relic in Region Linked to Jesus’ Ministry: ‘Unprecedented Find

Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery near the Sea of Galilee, unearthing…
Iran, US receive plan to end hostilities, immediate ceasefire: Report

Iran and US Consider New Ceasefire Proposal to Halt Ongoing Hostilities: Report

A potential plan to halt hostilities between Iran and the United States…