WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. October 13, 2005: The Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, Rick Ammirato, writes WPCNR defending and explaining the issue of valet parking, recently criticised in another media outlet:  

October 13, 2005

Dear Editor:

Fortunately after years of economic stagnation in which deserted streets and boarded up store fronts were commonplace, Downtown White Plains is finally regaining its stature as Westchester’s most dynamic urban center. The City is committed to creating a vibrant, economically successful downtown. A key to that success is the popularity of our restaurants. They draw residents and visitors from through out the region into the downtown. Members of the BID that I have spoken to since the Journal News item was printed have been overwhelmingly supportive of valet parking, deeming it an indispensable amenity for their establishments. The proliferation of valet parking operations throughout the Downtown shows the importance of convenience and customer service. Customers want valet parking, and restaurants should be allowed to offer it.

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The City of White Plains is in the process of gathering data through the valet parking program at the City Center, in order to better understand the dynamics of the situation. This process is necessary to draft sensible, sound public policy that is rooted in reality. The overwhelming reaction of BID members is that while this process is ongoing, the City of White Plains should continue to allow restaurants to manage their own valet operations. It would be self-defeating to shut them down now when the Downtown is really starting to see the benefits of its revitalization.

Downtown businesses contribute millions upon millions of dollars in revenue to the City of White Plains and Westchester County, and in the case of certain restaurants and businesses, have put the revitalized Downtown on the map. The needs and desires of the business community must be considered as the City’s leaders draft legislation that could negatively impact their livelihood. Remember, many of these restaurants took a chance on White Plains.

The Downtown’s revitalization has not been without its challenges. Increased traffic and parking are two major concerns for City officials and they are looking at new, innovative ways to manage them. After reviewing every possible scenario associated with each Downtown development project constructed over the past decade, it would be foolish to enact knee-jerk legislation based upon a handful of complaints. An exhaustive study of the valet parking pilot program is therefore the most sensible strategy.

 Sincerely,

Rick Ammirato

Executive Director

White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District