Merchants, Bar Owners on Nyack's First Weekend with New Parking Hours

Nyack's new parking timetable hasn't had much time to settle in——but the first weekend with overnight paid parking already has some merchants talking.

The overhaul switched paid times to afternoons and late-night—from now on, munimeters need feeding between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

(Read the details .)

For Rivertown Films, the local film organization that screen flicks at , the revamped schedule is a plus.

"It's good for us—now our customers don't have to pay for parking," said Matthew Seig, the group's executive director. Movies are screened in the evening, before paid parking kicks in.

"We're the lucky ones in this situation," he added.

Rivertown Films' first screening under the new parking rules will be this Wednesday.

Jack Dunnigan, who owns and has long decried , says it may be too soon to see results.

"But I think it's a good idea," he said, noting restaurants will likely see a boost to their bottom line.

(Read what other merchants are saying .)

Dunnigan said the village has done an impressive job spreading the word about the change, but that doesn't mean everyone will get the message.

"All bets are off once it's past 11 p.m.," he said. "Those are customers that won't be paying attention to signs."

Not all merchants are optimistic, however—especially those that rely on customers who previously were able to park for free.

"It is targeting the businesses open after 11 p.m.," said Heidi Nolan, the owner and operator of . "This is one of the many rules Nyack is implementing to try to discourage its vibrant late night atmosphere." 

"For every dollar spent on parking, there is one less dollar available for customers to spend to support local businesses like ours," Nolan added.