Nyack May Revamp Parking Meter Times

Nyack's new mayor has an idea for an overhauled parking policy.

Jen Laird-White, who , may shift parking times in the downtown.

Nyack business owners and residents often lament that the current policy—which requires motorists to feed the meters until 9 p.m.—drives away customers and results in pricey tickets for an extra minute spent in a spot.

As a remedy, Laird-White is proposing paid parking be shifted to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The shuffle would allow residents to run early morning errands, and visitors to enjoy a long dinner without rushing to the munimeter.

"Obviously, we have a reputation for being a difficult place to come and have a nice dinner without getting a ticket or having to jump up and feed the meter," Laird-White said. "This would generate a kinder, gentler Nyack for people coming downtown in the evening hours... and may encourage businesses to stay open longer."

The issue will be discussed at length at Thursday's village board meeting. The lawmaking session will be held at 6:30 p.m. in . Several details still have to be hammered out, like what days of the week the policy would be in effect.

But lawmakers are confident no revenue would be lost under the new guidelines, which add three hours of paid parking to the timetable.

"We’ve run the numbers, and I think if everyone feeds the meters responsibly and diligently, we certainly won't lose any money," Laird-White said.

There is even the potential to make more money, the mayor added. And if the village does, the surplus could be spent on a new public works employee for downtown cleanup.

"We've had an issue with streets in the village on weekend mornings… they've been tremendously filthy for years now," Laird-White said, noting business owners are often tasked with on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Laird-White noted people guilty of downtown disorderly conduct could then be order to carry out community service cleaning, with the public works employee supervising.

The mayor has spoken with parking experts, as well, she said, who noted there would be no "tremendous downsides" to the policy as long as the streets are properly signed.