Senator Chris Jacobs has sent a letter to City Council, urging representatives to reconsider the stance on parking reforms in the city of Buffalo. Following is the letter, which was sent earlier this morning:
Hon Darius G. Pridgen Common Council President City Hall
65 Niagara Square, Rm 1315 Buffalo, NY 14202
Dear Council President Pridgen:
I write regarding the Common Council’s recent adoption of a new parking policy for Downtown Buffalo. I ask you and your fellow Council Members to please consider rescinding your approval of this policy and allow more time for public comment, input and dialogue.
I ask your consideration here because it appears the majority of the public was not aware of this proposal and therefore did not have the opportunity for offer their input and perspective. Upon becoming aware of the policy after its passage, one resident initiated an on-line petition that has received over 20,000 signatures opposing the new policy and that was in less than one week. Perhaps one source of the problem is this policy was both proposed and voted on during the month of December, arguably one of the busiest times of year for families and those who work in the restaurant and retail sector.
This new parking policy is a very significant change, both in terms of a major increase in hourly parking rates and the times those parking must pay. I believe the public should have a true opportunity to be heard on this issue. Thank you.
– Chris Jacobs
CC:
Mayor Byron Brown
Members of Buffalo Common Council Commissioner Kevin Helfer
Email CC:
Mayor Byron Brown
Members of Buffalo Common Council Commissioner Kevin Helfer