Town Board Pushing For Metered Parking

The Harrison Town Board is quickly moving toward the approval of metered parking in both Harrison and West Harrison's business districts. The money is expected to create much-needed revenue as the town struggles to steady increasing property taxes.

"It was discussed vocally during the budget process," said Harrison Councilman Joseph Cannella. "It's something we should do."

The town will likely choose parking stalls rather than individual meters to save money, said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh. Parking enforcement has already looked at certain areas that would fit the criteria for the stalls, but Walsh said that the exact location and number of them is "still fluid."

The idea for parking meters has been considered in Harrison for at least four years, dating back to the previous administration, but has never been this close to being implemented.

"I think it will happen," she said. "The board has talked about it for several years now." Walsh added that now is a good time to move forward with the idea.

"In this climate we are looking for all sources of revenue other than property taxes," she said.

Both Walsh and Cannella said that approval is very likely. The issue will be discussed at one of this month's two scheduled town board meetings. If installing the meters passes, it will take about four months to choose a bidder to install them. 

Although plugging meters will create a minor inconvenience for people looking to park downtown, Cannella said that he doesn't recall strong objection when the idea was discussed during budget meetings over the winter, adding that no board member has voiced strong objection to the idea so far.

A timeline for when the meters will be installed will be more clear after the idea is presented publicly, but completion is very possible by the end of the year.

"It has been actually slow and progressing," said Cannella. "It's something that needs to be pushed along the board intensely."