Some of the current residents of downtown apartments were surprised a couple of weeks ago to get a warning about parking on city streets or parking lots overnight.
City Manager Jason Molino said the warning is part of an effort to ensure only vehicles with permits are parking overnight, and that they're parking in recommended areas.
"We initially issued warnings to remind people there is no (overnight) parking and give them a chance to get permits," Molino said. "There have been no tickets issued at this point."
If a resident wants to park a vehicle downtown overnight (from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.), he or she needs to get a permit from the city.
That permit costs $100 annually (raised recently from $50 per year).
The permit covers up to two vehicles.
When a resident receives the permit, the resident is asked to park his or her vehicles in specific areas, with other overnight parking, so that vehicles are grouped together.
Molino said this is particularly important during snow removal season.
With the city making a push for more apartments downtown, Molino was asked if there is adequate parking for more residents in the heart of the city.
There is, Molino said.
"If you don't have an overnight parking ability -- if you don't enforce it, or you don't have it -- then people can park overnight with any type of vehicle, whether it's a construction vehicle, farm equipment, those sorts of things," Molino said. "We've had requests from truckers or trucking agencies to park their big rigs overnight, which is just something we don't allow."
On the web: Batavia City Code
The City approves apartments
The City approves apartments in store buildings (where tenant parking is not available), and now wants tenants to pay to park a vehicle where they live? This is coming about because of concerns related to snow plowing? Shh, don't tell them, but it's MAY! (or almost)
OK, let me get this straight.
OK, let me get this straight. The city fathers want to create apartments in the downtown area in the hope of increasing people activity in the downtown area which they hope will increase business but they are charging apartment dwellers for the privilege of parking near their apartment. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE??????
Looks to me like a reason NOT to live in the downtown area.
tax payers should not have to
tax payers should not have to pay for parking , just a rip off
You would think a portion of
You would think a portion of the parking lot reserved after 9pm for residents of downtown apartments at no cost would pretty much be the best solution, but what do I know I am just a taxpayer.
just another excuse for the
just another excuse for the city to get their paws on money that they shouldnt have ....same thing with building permits....if you own your own home and pay taxes you shouldnt need to pay for a building permit...should be included with your tax payment. greedy!
Another issue this brings up
Another issue this brings up is the issue of drunk driving. What if you decide to go to one of our downtown businesses and responsibly decide that you have had too much to drink to drive home and that you need to get a ride or call a cab? Now, you are going to get ticketed for making a responsible decision and leaving your car overnight.
GREAT POINT KIM!!!
GREAT POINT KIM!!!
So this is how the geniuses
So this is how the geniuses running the city figure they're going to rebuild downtown and get people to live there??
Brilliant.
Look....I can see perhaps requiring downtown residents to get permits so that their cars aren't in violation of the almighty 2AM to 6AM parking ban
(because you know that the city plows have to get in to plow those lots when it snows - oh wait....they don't leave the barn until 7AM)
But does it have to be an outrageous amount like $100?!?! That's nothing more than a money grab as was pointed out above. Make it something like $10 and I doubt anyone would squawk.
Keep trying to sell this city and the downtown re-development as progressive, but every time something like this happens it's another stake in the heart of the city.
Absolutely ridiculous.
I never heard of a parking
I never heard of a parking permit to park in the town where you live. And not they are raising it to $100. Who are the people who live in downtown apartments? Can they afford a parking fee?
DON'T AGREE WITH THIS AT
DON'T AGREE WITH THIS AT ALL:
Kim, I do agree with you totally. There are 6 bars / resturants in walking distance from the Save-A-Lot (Parking lot shown in above picture)
- South Beach, Bourbon & Burger, TF Browns, Center Street, Larry's & OLacy's. If I wanna be responsible and not drive after a few cocktails, i'm running the risk of getting a friggin' parking ticket by leaving my truck in a parking lot? With DWI being so popular these days, you would think the city would open their parking lots for the people who wanna support these downtown businesses. If the decision makers of this community were infact business owners themselves, they would see that every change in the community is indeed a reflect on business & profits.
Oh yeah, Jason Molino (City
Oh yeah, Jason Molino (City Manager) If a permit is issued for the amount of $100 and you are now allowed to park in the parking lots, the plows still has to plow around your vehicle.. BRILLIANT !!
PS. If the City Plows, while plowing these parking lots hit your vehicle, the City is not responsible for any damage to your car. The plow driver has to be found guilty of negligence and/or drug tested (according to the City's insurance company) DOUBLE BRILLIANT !!