White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Citizen Exposes 45% Increase in White Plains Train Station Commuter Parking Fee.

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. June 5, 2007: At the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the Common Council meeting Monday evening, a citizen, Yonah Wolf got up and protested the newest rise in White Plains parking fees: the massive 45% increase in the annual Commuter Parking Permit from $569 to $825. Wolf said the increase was almost double what he paid two years ago (2004-2005, the year of the last increase), when he paid $450 for the same daily parking privilege. He protested this was a "tax" on those who commute to New York City every day, which he estimated at 8,000 persons.

Wolf expressed the opinion that the Council deliberately hid this increase by considering the fees at a Special Meeting just before the Memorial Day Weekend, which he described as "short notice." Wolf also drew a dollars and sense picture for the Councilpersons, saying "the multi-hour meter rates are increasing by a similar margin." Wolf points out the fees were set in budget hearings, but voted on prior to Memorial Day weekend getaway Friday. His remarks:

Good Evening Mayor Delfino, and Honorable Members of the City Council. My Name is Yonah Wolf, and I have lived in White Plains for just over 6 years. While I have been privileged to meet some of you at various events around town, this is the first time I am attending a Council Meeting. I am here tonight to express my disappointment with your recent decision to increase parking rates at our city's meters and garages. While I understand that rates increase over time, I feel that this rate increase is grossly unfair in both the percentage of the increase as well as in the manner it was considered by the common council.

With the new increase - the second increase since 2004, the cost of my Annual Daytime Parking Permit at the Transcenter will go up to $825, a 45% increase over last year's cost of $569, and almost double the $450 I paid for the 2003-04. In addition, the multi-hour meter rates are increasing by a similar margin. This is a tremendous burden for many of us who park in any of the city's municipal lots - even more so to the many individuals who have two permits - one for parking near their home overnight, and one for parking near the train or their offices during the day. As of July 1st, someone with two-permits will now be paying for the equivalent of 3 spots for one car!

What this increase amounts to is a new tax on one of the fastest-growing segments of White Plains Residents - those of us who commute to NYC. While Metro-North would not provide specific figures, other sources and articles have put White Plains as the busiest station outside of Grand Central, and it is estimated that more than 8000 or so individuals travel from White Plains into NYC every day - a growing number fast approaching 15% of our population.

This convenience to New York City is one of two reasons that I chose to move here - the other being the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of our residents. While the former remains true, the latter seems to be slowly slipping away, and if this trend continues, individuals of more modest means, such as myself, will be forced to leave and White Plains will ultimately turn into a haven for the wealthy.

But commuters are only part of the picture. In addition, I feel that this decision will also have a negative effect on our city's businesses as well. As of July 1st, it will cost a full 50% more to park in our garages on an hourly basis and 100% more per hour to park at street meters. This rate will definitely have an impact on shoppers' when they choose to shop here vs. in other locations in Westchester. Anecdotally, I know of many neighbors who don't shop in White Plains anymore because every shopping center has a parking cost. As more people follow this trend, our city's coffers will be doubly-effected, both by lowered parking revenue as well as lower sales tax collections - not to mention the financial impact on our local businesses.

But I digress, the reason I am speaking here tonight, is because you chose to discuss this at a special council meeting with very little advance notice. As a taxpayer, I don't think that I am off base in suggesting that a topic as sensitive as this should not be relegated to a last minute special meeting held on the eve a holiday weekend as this limits debate on the matter.

In conclusion, I realize that all that I have said to you tonight is moot, as the rate increases have already been approved, and it is unlikely that you will change your decision. However, I still feel the need to express my disappointment at your decision on the public record, as well as the manner in which it was made. I appreciate the opportunity to address you this evening, and I would greatly appreciate any comments that you have regarding my statement or your decision on the Parking increase.

Thank you.


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