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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. The New Rochelle City Council's decision this week to allow free parking in downtown municipal lots all day Sundays was met with mixed reaction from residents, who said the city needs to bring in money from parking fees, but people need to be able to find parking.
"They need money to cover the services of the city," said Sid Baum, as he was standing in the library parking lot adjacent to Memorial Highway on Thursday.
The New Rochelle City Council agreed to the change at its meeting on Tuesday, extending the free parking on Sundays to a 24-hour period of 12 a.m. Sunday to 12 a.m. Monday. Previously, the free parking only started at 8 a.m. and ended at 8 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Together with the New Rochelle Business Improvement District, the city council has commissioned an analysis of the city's parking, including regulations and fee structures, payment technologies and the condition of parking facilities. The first part of the study involves looking at new hourly rates and permits, and removing inconsistencies from them.
Baum said he thought the extended free parking on Sundays is a good idea, although the additional free parking reduces the city's parking revenue.
Another resident, Jorge Barrienta, said parking is troublesome on the weekends overall in New Rochelle, especially on weekends, and expressed concern that free parking would mean less turnover of parking spaces.
"For Saturday, during the day, it's very difficult," said Barrienta. "If it's a Sunday, it's ok.
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