Authorizes a pilot residential parking permit system in the city of Buffalo

1 Co-sponsor

• Marc Panepinto

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing a pilot residential parking permit system in the city of Buffalo and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation would allow the city of Buffalo to authorize a pilot residential parking permit system.

Summary of specific provisions

The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1640-p. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the city of Buffalo may by adoption of a local law or ordinance, provide for a residential parking permit system and fix and require the payment of fees applicable to parking within certain areas of the city or as delineated by the common council of the city of Buffalo in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Justification

The growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus has accelerated exponentially over the last several years, with nine major institutions and more than 40 public and private companies expanding in the city of Buffalo. This expansion has facilitated the investment of over 750 million dollars into a development covering over 120 acres and employing well over 12,000 employees.

This growth however economically beneficial has had negative consequences upon the adjacent Fruit Belt community. This neighborhood is of singular. importance due to its rich history as one of the City's oldest neighborhoods developed in the decades before the Civil War,. Community leaders along with residents of the Fruit Belt neighborhood have submitted numerous complaints as to the lack of available on street parking close to their homes. Simple tasks such as unloading children and groceries have become increasingly difficult. This is unacceptable to residents and more parking availability is needed.

A City Council resolution calling for the creation of a residential parking permit system were passed in May of 2012, This legislation is in direct response to those hardworking Fruit Belt constituents and would seek to implement a residential parking permit system in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus,

Prior legislative history

2013-14: S.5623-REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Fiscal implications

None to the State

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.