Since the congestion tax on vehicles entering south of 60th Street in Manhattan began on the 5th of last month, the parking shortage in the area north of 60th Street in Manhattan has been worsening. Attention is now focused on the results of the New York City Council’s push for a ‘residential parking permit.’ The related ordinance (Int. 0674), proposed last year by New York City Council Member Carmen de la Rosa (Democratic, 10th District, Manhattan), limits some of the free street parking spaces in the area north of 60th Street to priority parking spaces for residents.
Under the proposal, 80% of the free street parking spaces will be designated as priority parking for residents of the area, and only the remaining 20% will be available for non-residents. Non-residents will also be limited to a short-term parking period of 90 minutes. However, this plan excludes streets located within office and commercial districts. The ‘resident parking permits’ would require residency verification and a registration fee.
Council Member de la Rosa explained, “Since the implementation of the Manhattan congestion tax, we have seen a noticeable increase in cars with out-of-state license plates from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, etc., occupying the free street parking spaces north of 60th Street in Manhattan.” She further added, “As a result, local residents are spending a lot of time on the streets because they cannot find parking spaces.” The parking difficulties in areas north of 60th Street, especially in de la Rosa’s districts of Inwood and Washington Heights, have worsened, and residents’ complaints have grown due to the influx of out-of-state drivers who want to avoid paying the congestion tax.
For this ordinance to be implemented, it must pass the City Council plenary session, and a new New York State law must also be enacted. According to de la Rosa, as of the 7th, there are now members of the New York State Senate and Assembly who support the ordinance. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who also supports the proposal, emphasized that “In New York State, ‘resident parking permits’ are already in effect in Buffalo, Albany, and New Rochelle,” adding, “New York City should be next. Especially, ‘resident parking permits’ are an urgent issue for the northern part of Manhattan, where parking is severe due to the implementation of the congestion tax.”
Council Member de la Rosa further reassured that the fee for the resident parking permit would be affordable, ensuring it would not be a burden to workers. She also mentioned that the goal is to launch a pilot program later this year.