Several changes proposed for street parking in downtown Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Major changes to parking in downtown Buffalo are being weighed.

A new proposal from Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski laid out a plan that would introduce a new "restricted parking district" that would encompass a significant portion of downtown Buffalo. It would also introduce revised parking meter rates as well as extended meter operative hours in the restricted parking districts.

You can see how the plan is laid out below:

Restricted parking district

The district, which is newly designed, would cover many of Buffalo's busiest streets, including:

• Georgia Street
• West Chippewa Street
• South Elmwood Avenue
• Virginia Street
• Delaware Avenue
• Michigan Avenue
• Scott Street
• Louisiana Street
• Ohio Street
• South Park Avenue
• Allen Street
• Hertel Avenue
• Franklin Street
• Elmwood Avenue
• Pearl Street
• Main Street
• Ellicott Street

The streets were picked in order to "improve traffic flow, ensure adequate parking for residents and businesses, and enhance overall parking management" in those areas, according to a release.

Revised parking meter rates

The amendment introduces several parking meter rates, ranging from 25 cents for 15 minutes to up to $7 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours. It also says that specific locations will see graduated rates, starting at $2 per hour for the first one to two hours and increasing up to $7 per hour.

Extended meter hours

The proposal calls for meter hours to be extended from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Currently, the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Parking meters would continue to not be in effect on legal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is no mention of any changes for event rate parking, which is on several streets in downtown Buffalo and applies from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday for $2 an hour.

"We are committed to enhancing the economic health and quality of life in downtown Buffalo," Nowakowski said in a news release. "This ordinance amendment is a significant step towards better parking management, making downtown more accessible and convenient for residents, businesses, and visitors."

The amendment was introduced at the Common Council's meeting on Tuesday, where it was send to the legislation committee to be further discussed.