jackson-heights-parking-queens

Image source: stu_spivack on Flickr

DNAinfo reports that the city has come up with a solution to the parking problems facing Jackson Heights – not enough street parking spots for the cars that want them (and let’s face it, this is a common problem throughout the more densely populated urban parts of Queens).

The Department of Transportation has proposed something called PARK Smart, a program that “aims to increase the number of available metered parking spaces by encouraging motorists to park no longer than necessary. The meter rate is higher when demand for parking is greatest and decreases when demand is lower.” In Jackson Heights, pricing, time limits and hours of operation would be adjusted for metered parking. According to DOT, this what would happen:

The plan would increase the time limits on parking meters from one hour to two hours on 74th Street between 37th Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, and on Roosevelt Avenue from 74th Street to 82nd Street. But whereas now a 60-minute stop will cost you $1, under a new, ‘progressive rate’ plan, some meters would be bumped up to $1.50. A two-hour stay would cost $4.00. In addition, meters on that stretch of 74th Street, as well as meters on 37th Road, would shut off at 10 p.m. instead of the current 7 p.m.”

Here is a graphic realization of the proposed changes:

new-parking-rates-proposed-map-jackson-heights-queens

Image source: DNAinfo

According to DOT, in Greenwich Village (pdf) and Park Slope similar pilot programs were implemented in 2008 and 2009, respectively. A spokesman said, “The number of unique vehicles parked at curb spots increased by 18 percent, while traffic volumes decreased by 7 percent.”

In Park Slope, local merchants were concerned about higher prices driving people away and negatively affecting business, but after analyzing the numbers, DOT found that the actual outcome was that PARK Smart  brought more potential shoppers to the area, since there is more frequent turnover in parking spots. The area of Jackson Heights is retail-establishment heavy, so perhaps this neighborhood will also see an increase in potential shoppers, too.

City Proposes PARK Smart Plan to Free Up Parking in Jackson Heights [DNAinfo]
4 parking scenarios in Queens – are the parking apps helpful? [QNYC]
Park Smart Pilot Has Cut Traffic in Park Slope, DOT Finds [Streetsblog]


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