Pelham Residents Undecided on the Town's Parking

PELHAM, N.Y. – Parking has been a concern of Pelham residents for quite some time. Some feel that there is not enough space while others believe that parking is too expensive.

Harry Engstrom, the assistant court clerk in Pelham, thinks that it is currently the biggest issue in Pelham. One of his tasks is dealing with the people who have been given parking tickets.

“There’s a lack of parking,” said Engstrom. “People are always complaining.” Engstrom was unsure if the problem could be fixed, but then thought of solutions.

“Can you fix it,” asked Engstrom. “Sure you can. Buy a few stores – make it a parking lot. Put another tier on the parking lot they have.”

Michelle Pactol, who owns Richard’s Passport on Wolfs Lane, agrees with Engstrom and thinks it is too expensive to park in Pelham.

“All I can say is this town is very expensive to park in,” said Pactol. “I go to the Bronx Parkway, I put in 25 cents, and get more than a half an hour. That is why a lot of people here say, “Oh, I can’t believe how expensive it is.””

The store owner also feels that Fifth Avenue stores and restaurants are harmed as a result.

“There is not enough parking,” she said. “That’s why a lot of people don’t want to go to Fifth Avenue because it’s hard to park. That’s always a problem.”

However, unlike Engstrom, Pactol does not see how Pelham can add any parking spots to help the community.

“How are you going to do that in this kind of economy,” she asked. “The town has no money. They cannot put another parking spot in.”

Dave Haggerty, a Sixth Avenue resident, must park in one of the lots.

“It’s a little inconvenient,” said Haggerty. “Sometimes parking spots are not where they’re supposed to be.”

Haggerty is perturbed by the lack of parking because he sometimes has guests come over to visit.

“Still it could be inconvenient at night if I have a guest coming or not,” he stated. “To park there, I have to call the police.” The longtime Pelham resident believes the town could think of a solution if given the time.

“It is what it is,” said Haggerty. “I wish it could get better. I haven’t put much thought into it, but I’m sure there’s a way.

Michael Patel, a worker at Arnold’s Place, thinks there is plenty of parking around Pelham.  

“We have parking all over here,” said Patel. “Parking on that side and parking in the back too. The parking is good enough.”

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