Parking meters tripled in price in the heart of Park Slope on Monday, revving the motors of some drivers, but pleasing local businesses and transportation experts, who have long complained that low-cost street parking discourages turnover and clogs roadways.
As of today, it now costs $1.50 per hour to park between noon and 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, on Fifth Avenue between Sackett Street and Third Street, and Seventh Avenue between Lincoln Place and Sixth Avenue — up from 50 cents per hour previously.
The non “peak-hour” rate was also hiked, to 75 cents per hour. Affected meters wear the modern day equivalent of a scarlet letter: a green-and-yellow sticker that explains the new fees.
Drivers — predictably — lambasted the new fees, but city officials say the higher peak-hour rates would increase the availability of spaces, and, as a result, decrease double-parking and congestion caused by drivers constantly circling the neighborhood looking for a space.
The city’s plan follows a 2007 study that found that 45 percent of daytime traffic on Seventh Avenue is simply cars looking for a spot. Think of it as a “congestion pricing” plan for parking spaces.
Drivers didn’t love the idea.
“It’s terrible — the city gets money wherever it can get it, and whose gonna fight ’em?” said Matt James of Crown Heights.
James is definitely not alone in his opposition to the increase.
“What kind of [expletive deleted] is this?” yelled Eddie Nash, also of Crown Heights, as he stepped out of his car just after noon.
Local businesses hailed the hike, which was backed by the local community board in March.
“Meters are there as an aid to commerce anyways, so they’re supposed to be tweaked,” said Catherine Bohne, owner of Community Bookstore and liaison to the Department of Transportation for the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce.
Bohne said the city reviewed traffic patterns in the area and surveyed hundreds of storeowners and residents before implementing the change.
On its first day, the plan did show some promise — at least with one quarter-pinching driver.
“Starting tomorrow, I’m going to park on the side streets,” said Mel Diaz who works at the M & S Deli on Fifth Avenue.
The program, known as PARK Smart, will be evaluated again after its six-month trial period. Greenwich Village was the first neighborhood in the city to undergo the pilot program. The Department of Transportation will release its official review of that program later this year.
