Author: Robert Creenan
The City of Buffalo Department of Public Works recently announced an updated parking pattern in the Elmwood Village, along with new parking signs. After a pilot program was conducted in 2013, the plan is now set to be put in motion with work to begin soon.
The new regulations will allow 24 hour parking on both sides of the street, which will open up hundreds of additional parking spaces throughout the village. The plan will take hold 7 days a week, from April 2 to November 14. Alternate side parking will be available the rest of the year for the purposes of clearing snow along the streets.
“The updated parking pattern aims to make more parking available within the Elmwood Village,” Parking Commissioner Kevin Helfer said. “Resulting in a positive effect for residents, visitors, and business owners in the neighborhood.”
The following is a list of streets that are due to be included in the parking plan:
- Bidwell Parkway
- Chapin Parkway
- Auburn Avenue (Elmwood to Richmond only)
- Breckenridge Street (Elmwood to Richmond only)
- Ashland Avenue
- Norwood Avenue
- Forest Avenue (Elmwood to Richmond only)
- St. James Place
- Bird Avenue (Richmond to Windsor only)
- Potomac Avenue (Elmwood to Richmond only)
- Hodge Avenue (Elmwood to Ashland only)
- Anderson Place (Elmwood to Atlantic only)
- Dorchester Road
- Granger Place
- Claremont Avenue
- Inwood Place
- Oakland Place (Between Summer St and a point 500’ north therefrom)
Delaware District Common Council Member Feroleto said, “Residents and small business owners in the Elmwood Village area expressed a desire for additional parking. The new rules will create approximately 1,000 spots and will benefit both residents and business.”
“The Elmwood Village is a vibrant neighborhood with lots to offer visitors,” said Carly Battin, Executive Director of the Elmwood Village Association. “As the area continues to grow in popularity, limited access to parking has become a common complaint from visitors and a quality of life issue for residents. The Elmwood Village Association has advocated for changes that help address that issue.”
The improved parking scenario is also a big ‘quality of life’ boost for residents. Those living on the 17 aforementioned streets will not have to move their cars (early in the morning) anymore during the warmer months, which is somewhat of a pain currently. For years, parking enforcement officers have been notorious for cruising down the streets looking for cars that moved too early or moved too late. It’s one of the reasons that made city living tougher for those who don’t have off street parking. Thankfully that’s about to change, which will be of great benefit to those who circle the blocks endlessly looking for parking spots when they get home at the end of the day.
Businesses along Elmwood have been talking about seeing this sort of plan enacted for years. Battling the malls can be tough, especially when there is virtually limitless parking available. As Elmwood continues to grow, the need for more parking is crucial. Hertel Avenue experiences similar pains in the parking department. Residents in North Buffalo complain about the difficulties parking anywhere near the bustling street. Hopefully, if this parking strategy goes according to plan, Hertel can glean some of the benefits.