Poll: Parking at Station - Keep the Meters or Just Use Permits?

Larchmont Village Board Seeks Input

by Judy Silberstein

(September 12, 2008) Time is running out as the Larchmont Village Board continues to struggle with what kind of parking system it wants to have at Lot #3, its large lot next to the train station and over I-95. To give the Village clerk time to prepare a process by early November, when permits typically go on sale, the board is hoping to make a decision no later than September 22. And to help with their decision, the board is asking for feedback from permit holders.

Mayor Liz Feld explained the options. "As users know, the meters in the lot often malfunction. The board has been looking into a possible new metering system, or, alternatively, turning the lot into a “permit-only” lot. Users would pay a larger fee at the beginning of the year for their permit, instead of paying a meter daily."

The board is asking users of Lot #3 to email their preferences by September 18 to villageclerk@villageoflarchmont.org. (Include your name and address in the email.)

The Gazette has also opened a poll open to potential users of Lot #3. Click here to take the poll.

How it Works - How it Might Work

The current system has potential parkers purchasing a “hunting license” that gives them access to any one of the 335 metered spots. They pay the $3.00 daily fee at one of six meters in coin, cash or debit card issued by the Village of Larchmont.The annual permit fee has been $50 for Larchmont Village residents; $100 for Mamaroneck Town or Mamaroneck Village residents; and $450 for “out-of-towners.” .

However, the meters are getting old and harder to maintain. New machines come with advanced capabilities, including the option to "call in" payment via cell phone from the train. The cost will be around $100,000 for six units.

"I don't like meters," said Mayor Feld at the September 8 Larchmont Village Board meeting. She would like to get rid of them, but Trustee Marlene Kolbert expressed concern, shared by the other three trustees, for "disenfranchising the casual user,” who would not want to pay a high annual fee to park on an infrequent basis.

Last year, there were an unlimited number of permits allotted for residents of Larchmont; 400 for Mamaroneck and 100 for anyone else. There were long lines on November 1, the first day for Mamaroneck residents to apply in person for a permit, and some long-term permit holders accustomed to being able to re-apply by mail complained of being squeezed out. In the end, however, all applicants were accommodated.

Under a "permit only" system there would be fewer permits issued - the exact number and cost would be determined if the board chooses this option.

The upcoming decision does not affect parking in the train station’s Lot #1, the lower lot on the other side of the tracks. Permits for Lot #1 will continue to cost $550 and be available only to Larchmont Village residents.

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