BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Concerned residents in Buffalo gathered at Buffalo City Hall on Tuesday morning to share their concerns with the new downtown parking policy.
The policy, which was introduced by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's administration and voted on by the Buffalo Common Council on December 26, has drawn confusion, frustration, and even anger from members of the community. It doubled parking rates from $1 to $2 in downtown Buffalo and temporarily extended the time that one is allowed to park downtown. However, the time extension was amended last week to restore it to free parking after 5 p.m. except during event parking.
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Residents in attendance voiced their concerns with the change, including the quick rollout of the measure during the holiday season, it's impact on nighttime walking safety for people who now will park in ramps instead of streets, the requirement of the Buffalo Roam app, and more. City of Buffalo Parking Commissioner was on hand to clarify the concerns brought forward by the public and noted that many of the issues now such as specific times regarding event parking and changes to the Buffalo Roam app.
Former Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant said that the parking rate increase is too much for low-income residents and for working people in Buffalo. She proposed a moratorium on the parking change and a public hearing to be held at a later date. She also suggested the parking rates should have increased incrementally by a quarter each year until the rate was $2.
WATCH: Betty Jean Grant live video of council committee meeting
