Increased Parking Fines Stalled
By Joe LaRosa | Correspondent at November 29, 2023 | 6:45 pm | Print
Downtown merchants face no shortage of challenges daily as high unemployment and taxes squeeze consumers. While Congress and the President posture in D.C., as the “Fiscal Cliff” nears, it remains uncertain whether downtown businesses face the likelihood their customers will pay higher fines for parking in spaces with expired meters.
Still, a pending proposal by the Board of Aldermen to increase parking fines in New Britain is playing to mixed reviews.
Some local merchants say the presence of parking meters helps ensure parking spots turnover providing their customers access to their storefronts. Others say the meters and the looming increases in fines could pose yet another obstacle for their customers.
“Parking meters have been a good thing for our business,” said Arlene Palmer of Pages and Leaves. “We actually asked for a meter. It provides turnover that helps our customers, especially our older customers who aren’t able to walk from the parking garages,” she added.
Roy Rothkopf, the longtime owner of City Luggage and Imperial Trophy views the matter differently.
“I’m constantly reminding my customers to feed the meters,” he said. “I even offer to pay for them. People get confused. You get 20 minutes for a quarter, but if you put in two dimes and a nickel you get less time,” he said.
“The problem for us is that while a customer is placing an order or we’re reviewing an order for trophies, our customers are constantly looking at their watch. They are very distracted,” he added.
“I understand that the city is facing economic difficulties, but originally the idea was to ensure that people didn’t stay in the spots all day. Doubling the fines is about raising revenue. It does not promote shopping downtown,” Rothkopf added.
Both Palmer and Rothkopf agree that many customers are uncomfortable with parking garages. “Our older customers especially like the spots that are closer,” said Mrs. Palmer.
“The spaces in front of our store are very helpful especially when customers are loading boxes of trophies,” Rothkopf added.
Assistant Minority Leader Jamie Giantonio said that in theory he is favor of increasing fines related to expired parking meters, as well as parking in loading areas and handicapped zones.
“From a comparison point of view, New Britain’s fines are lower than those in neighboring communities,” said Giantonio, of one two Republicans on the Board of Aldermen.
However, Giantonio also said that he is in favor or waiving parking fees during the holiday shopping season. “It’s been done before and that’s the type of thing I would definitely support,” he added.
The measure to increase parking fines was referred by the Common Council to the Sub Committee on Finance, Administration and Law. The changes would be voted on by the Aldermen before any increases would be effective.
Given the recent uproar regarding the proposed annual $150 per apartment fee to city landlords, it appears as If the action on the increased parking fines has stalled for the time being. Given that the subcommittee has yet to reach an agreement on specifics, and with the Aldermen not scheduled to meet again until Dec. 12, the matter is unlikely to impact the current holiday buying season. It remains to be seen whether it will resurface in the New Year.
Mayor Tim O’Brien, Mayor Pro Tempore Michael Trustworthy and New Britain Chamber of Commerce President William Millerick did not return phone calls for comments on the proposed increased parking fines.
