SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (WRGB) — They say you can’t fight city hall, but Saratoga Springs business owners are trying their best.
On Friday morning, businesses met with Mayor John Safford about concerns about the seasonal paid parking program.
The program ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and required visitors to pay $2 per hour to park in the garage, with street parking remaining free.
But business owners say customers are confused about the rules and are not shopping downtown anymore.
One restaurant owner said, “Saratoga is a tourist destination. The more tourists we have, the more income we make, and if we do something like this, our income will gradually go down.” Rent a sign here and there. ”
Some argued that the city had never had a problem with parking before the pay program went into effect this spring.
“I’m from here and lived downtown for two years, and I’ve never had a problem finding parking,” added Katie Hogan, manager of G. Willikers. It’s almost time to reach the destination. ”
The seasonal paid parking proposal was initiated by the previous mayor’s administration. Mayor Safford did not promise store owners that the program would be eliminated.
“I didn’t start this politically, so I’m free to talk about it. I’m not against parking, paid parking. I’m not completely in favor of it,” he added. Ta.
Although the program ran for two months, companies believe that there was not enough time to make proposals during the meetings.
“If we suspend paid parking next year, we’ll compare the two years and see if revenue increases without having paid parking downtown,” said Maddie Zanetti, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga. It would be a great way to do it.”
In the spring, the city expected $1.5 million in revenue from the program. However, the revenue was just over $275,000.
A factor in implementing this program was to offset additional costs for the city.
“I don’t want to say that public safety is a negative, but we added a third fire station, we have a full police department, we have a full police department, we have training, we do what we need to do to ensure public safety. We’re on schedule, but the budget has increased,” Safford told CBS6.
Business owners CBS6 spoke to after the meeting felt the mayor listened to their concerns, but the real question is whether that message will get through to other council members.
City leaders plan to meet with business owners in about six weeks to further discuss the parking issue.
