The Town of North Hempstead will vote April 19 on a proposal to change parking fees for both commuter and on-street parking in the Port Washington Parking District.
“These modest increases, the first in 15 years, in parking and meter fees bring the parking district’s rates more in line with what other municipalities charge and will enable the district to continue the investment in technology and infrastructure improvements,” Town of North Hempstead spokeswoman Carole Trottere said.
“Raising fees is never a popular decision, but parking fees have not increased in over 20 years,” Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio said. “The modest increase in some fees this year will enable the district to deliver better service and invest in infrastructure improvements. This year the parking district will use technology to allow residents to obtain permits and vouchers online — saving them a trip to the parking district office. Over the next five years, many of our parking lots will undergo a complete renovation. I will continue to work to be sure that we keep expenses down and that we receive our fair share of ticket revenue from the Town.”
The proposed changes call for daily parking vouchers to increase from $1 to $2, and monthly vouchers from $20 to $30. There would be no increase in the annual parking sticker fee of $240.
Meter rates for on-street parking would go from 25 cents each hour to 25 centers for each half hour.
“I think it’s worth a try, and we’ll have to see how it goes,” Port Washington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobbie Polay said referring to the proposed change in meter parking.
Trottere said the prices are in line with other municipalities on Long Island.
The yearly cost for registering cars for commuter parking spaces will be $25 for the first car — up from $15 — $45 for the second car, and $150 for the third car registered at the same home.
The new policy will prohibit registering more than three cars at the same address.
Officials said the town’s goal is to increase the availability of parking for all residents.
The Port Washington Parking District is responsible for snow removal, maintenance, the issuance of parking permits and the sale of parking vouchers for all parking facilities at the Port Washington LIRR station.
Trottere said the Port Washington Parking District is also moving to a paperless system through gtechna USA, which will provide license-plate reading software.
“The necessary paperwork to confirm resident status will now be able to be uploaded, and vouchers and permits will be wirelessly verified,” she said, noting that this will eliminate the need for in-person visits.
Trottee said the town’s multi-year capital plan includes renovations to four parking lots, which will include improvements to drainage, resurfacing and striping to maximize spaces.
The town has also launched a pilot program with Pango Mobile Parking for a pay-by-phone mobile parking payment system.
Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Sean Brown said the pilot program would help save money, time and will be more convenient for residents.
“Believe it or not that costs us money,” Brown said when referring to the amount of paper used at the parking meter.
He added that the electronic system will allow residents to enter in their license plate and pay for parking, parking permits and vouchers on their phones.
“They don’t have to worry about walking back to their car to pay for more time,” Brown said. “They can do it right off their phones.”
The town meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall located at 220 Plandome Road in Manhasset.
