|
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.
|
|
|
|
 |
Welder/Fitter
WELDER/FITTER: MIG able to work off blueprints, 3-5 yrs exp in Sanborn, NY, Niagara Bridge. General Fab specializi...>MORE
School bus driver
MOMS AND RETIREES (and others)
We will train you to be a School Bus Driver. Classes starting now. M...>MORE
Store Manager
STORE MANAGER - Looking for individual with strong leadership and customer service skills to run convenience store in Lo...>MORE
COTA
SCHOELLKOPF HEALTH CENTER
C.O.T.A.- Short Term Rehab Clinic
Opportunity to work in dynamic ...>MORE
Collections
Collections Exp collectors to start ASAP. Contact Debbie for a confidential interview. 716-205-3311 Ext 303...>MORE
Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
Lead Carpenter
LEAD Carpenter for Pole barn builder/steel roofing company Exp. req. Call 716-438-7720....>MORE
shipping assistant
SHIPPING ASSISTANT Needed for mail order company to prepare and label packages for shipping. Computer and fili...>MORE
CLEANERS
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
Homecare
PALLIATIVE HOME CARE of Niagara is now hiring Homemakers. Please apply at 2186 Liberty Dr., Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or 4...>MORE
See all ads |
1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
BUICK 1994 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, V8, 130k, fair condition, 1 owner. $2800 or BO. 297-1061....>MORE
1990 Chevy 2500
1990 CHEVY 2500 pick up, fresh paint, 160k mi, good runner, 4WD, ext cab, $2500, 716-572-9153...>MORE
FORD 1999 150
FORD 1999 150 pickup, good cond., tool box, bedliner, standard, $2500 or BO. 523-3653...>MORE
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan with 160k miles. Charcoal ext., Tan int., 4DR, Automatic, AWD, 6 Cylinder, Gas engine. Pow...>MORE
1950 Plymouth Custom
PLYMOUTH 1950 Custom, 4 dr, good shape, $1,500/BO. 795-0074...>MORE
2000 Chevy S-10
CHEVY 2000 S-10 pick up, 2.2L, 5 spd, ext cab, EC in & out, CD, cold AC, great gas mi. $2750. 523-7102...>MORE
1994 Pontiac Sunbird
PONTIAC 1994 Sunbird conv. V6, EC in & out, red w/blk top, wht int., CD, real sharp. $2850. 523-7102...>MORE
Pontiac 2004 Grand Prix GT
PONTIAC 2004 Grand Prix GT 4 door, good cond, $8000, 998-5596...>MORE
Dodge 2001 SLT
‘O1 DODGE SLT, 8’ bed, cap, spray line, low miles. Never seen winters, $7,300. 998-0230...>MORE
1997 Ford Taurus GL
FORD 1997 Taurus GL, good condition, cold A/C, cruise, 1 owner, white. $1995 or BO. 990-6187....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|