Motorists and merchants around the Bronx are furious over Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to raise meter fees a quarter-an-hour in the outer boroughs. “It’s disastrous,” said Victor Velez, 46, owner of VIV Printing on Southern Blvd. in Longwood. “People are going to go directly to places where they can get free parking.”
The plan would hike meter costs from 75 cents per hour to a buck in the outer boroughs and $2.50 to $3 per hour generally below 86th St. in Manhattan.
The fee jump would take effect early next year, unless Hizzoner has a last minute change of heart.
“It’s too much money,” said Alex Arce, 31, as he fed a meter on Southern Blvd. “It’s getting to the point where you can’t own a car in this city.”
“We’ll lose customers,” said Dominico Caro, owner of Caro’s Gifts and Baking Supplies in Westchester Square. “Have some compassion, Mr. Mayor. We’re the ones – small businesses – who support the neighborhoods, and we’re the ones who get burned.”
The city last boosted meter rates in 2009 – to 75 cents per hour – from the 50-cent rate set in 1992.
The mayor has since slipped the change into the new budget approved in June by the City Council, which cannot alter it, said Councilman James Vacca (D-East Bronx.)
“Motorists are under unbelievable attack,” he said. “God forbid you have a car in this city. How much more do we absolutely slaughter them? With traffic agents doling out $115 tickets and inspectors handing out fines for even the smallest violation, how is a small business supposed to survive in New York City?” he asked.
Vacca noted that the city is facing a $3.3 billion budget gap for the 2012 fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2012.
The plan would raise $2.4 million by June 30, then $13.8 million in successive fiscal years, he said.
It would apply to 47,532 single-space meters and 1,351 Muni-Meters citywide.
“It’s just wrong,” Robert Salkey, a 26-year-old construction worker, said as he parked his Acura TL in Westchester Square.
“I got kids and no work. This is one hard town to live in already, and the mayor wants to make money on everything.”
{NY Daily News/Matzav.com Newscenter}
so many people of all kinds, have cheated the city and just cheated period for so long, that this this what its coming to.
I will just have to have someone wait outside of the store for me while I shop to save the dollar…..
Mike Bloomberg is a lying, condisending, arrogant person. You have to thank those who endorsed this “I’ll give you priority 7 vouchers” fool!