|
Published: June 12, 2007 05:44 pm
NIAGARA FALLS: Meters going hot Friday
Only a sample of the devices will be operational during test run
By Rick Forgione/forgioner@gnnewspaper.com
Niagara Gazette
The new parking meters installed downtown are expected to begin a test run on Friday.
Only a sample of the 100 wireless meters will be activated this week, with the rest scheduled to be operational before the July 4 holiday, reported Ralph Aversa, the city’s head of economic development.
The high-tech meters, provided by the Vancouver, B.C-based Photo Violation Technologies Corp., were installed in mid-May in anticipation of the busy Memorial Day weekend. However, a problem establishing a Wi-Fi connection pushed the start date back.
Company President Fred Mitschele said those issues, which involve agreements with local utility companies, are almost resolved and Friday’s test run is on schedule. He agrees all 100 meters will be ready for July 4.
The company has agreed to install and remove the meters at no cost to the city unless it chooses to keep the parking system after a six-month trial period. Once operational, the meters will be able to communicate wirelessly with the city and take photographs of license plates of parking offenders. In addition, the meters will accept change or credit and debit cards and allow parking offenders to pay fines on site.
Each meter controls two parking spots for a total of 200 targeted spaces — mostly located along Rainbow Boulevard and Third and Niagara streets. The meters included in Friday’s test run are likely to be along Third Street.
Meanwhile, city lawmakers are still debating the proper operation times for the devices. Aversa said current plans are to have the meters off on the weekends near First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, both located on Rainbow Boulevard, so worshippers will not be charged to park when they attend service.
At Monday’s meeting, Councilman Charles Walker asked his colleagues to consider whether all of the meters should be shut off during the weekend so they don’t deter tourists from spending more time downtown.
“If they have to keep paying a parking meter, tourists are not going to spend much time here,” Walker said.
Aversa said Walker’s idea hadn’t been discussed previously and that shutting down the meters over the weekend — especially during evening hours — would prove costly to the anticipated revenue the city is hoping to receive from traffic violators.
“Of course we’re going to charge at night downtown,” Aversa said.
Councilmember Chris Robins agrees with Aversa, saying the meters are meant for tourists and not to hurt local businesses and residents. He added that any revenue collected should be put back in the same neighborhoods for road repairs and beautification efforts.
Photo Violation Technologies has claimed the meters could increase the total revenue from enforcement and parking by five times what the city currently collects.
Council Chairman Robert Anderson Jr. said he doesn’t agree parking meters are needed downtown, but supports his colleagues’ push for the devices.
“If this thing works out well, and it’s a success, that’s good,” Anderson said, “but I think it’s ludicrous.”
However, he fears too many tourists will be heading back home with parking tickets — and a negative memory from their trip to the Cataract City.
“That’s not the type of publicity I want Niagara Falls to have,” Anderson said.
|
|
|
|
 |
Job Fair
HUMAN SERVICES JOB FAIR For COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Program Locations/Job Opportunities working w/c...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Tech's & Certified Medication Tech's
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s & Certified Medication Tech’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville Manor 79...>MORE
Service greeter
Service greeter wanted, PT entry level. Looking for someone with strong customer service skills to work in our fast grow...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
RN
RN, Director of Quality / Education: to plan, organize, develop and direct all staff development and CQI programs. North...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. RN's. Up to $7500 Sign on Bonus. Thinking of a change? Consider Mount St. Mary's Hospital. Various positions av...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service Immed. F/T position. Includes weekends. Must be customer oriented, computer ...>MORE
Packers
Packers, General Production & Assembly 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts Sanborn, Tonawanda & Amherst. Re...>MORE
Cook Manager
COOK /Manager full time exp. req. Call for appt. 297-2500 ask for general manager. ...>MORE
See all ads |
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
2000 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 2000 Caravan, V6, power everything, excellent body, runs great, $2195. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer. 298-5220...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
1996 Mazda L3000
MAZDA L3000 pick-up 1996, 6 cyl, runs good, new tires & battery, just inspect., $1500. 284-7529....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|