Some South Slope residents were still seething this week about 68 new parking meters that were abruptly installed along Seventh Avenue — but the no-arm bandits are actually part of a series of changes that the city says will improve cleanliness and increase parking in the area.
For now, though, residents were still complaining that the new meters showed up with such little notice that people started getting parking tickets before the meters were even installed.
“Once the [one-hour parking] signs went up, people started getting tickets,” said Barbara Kancelbaum, a South Slope resident.
The local blogs were filled with venom about the sudden death of free parking between 10th and 15th streets.
“When it has been one way forever, can you be held accountable for a silent change that happens overnight?” asked “Joyce,” on Park Slope Parents.
The answer is yes, according to Craig Chin, Department of Transportation spokesman.
“Once the signs go up, tickets can be issued,” said Chin.
Along with the 50-cents-an-hour meters, the city unveiled other changes in the Slope:
• The Department of Sanitation will soon start sweeping both sides of Seventh Avenue from Flatbush Avenue to 15th Street six times a week, rather than just four.
• The city will decrease the no-parking time on both sides of the avenue from one hour to a half-hour, and on some side streets from three hours to 90 minutes.
At least one South Sloper was pleased with the new meters.
“The meters will help everything,” said Jason, the manager of Music Matters, between 13th and 14th streets, who declined to give his last name. “People park here for a week and don’t move their cars, so residents and customers can’t find spots. The meters will provide turnover.”
