The city of Cortland recently installed new signs in regard to its new parking program. (Photo via Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
The Cortland Common Council approved a provision for specific no overnight parking regulations in the downtown area.
The resolution, under agenda item six from Tuesday’s council meeting, passed 7-1. Councilperson Seth Thompson (D-5th Ward) voted against the measure.
The measure is as follows. Corporation counsel AJ Meldrim said this provision coincides with the local law that council recently passed on the city’s new digital parking program:
“The parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited on all highways, roadways, or municipal parking lots within the corporate limits of this City between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. with the exception of specific signed areas within the municipal parking lot designated for Residential Permit Permits. Vehicles issued a current City of Cortland Residential Parking permit may park in a signed residential parking area of a municipal parking lot at any time of the day or night.”
According to Tuesday's resolution, prior to the city’s parking program, parking “was not allowed on any city street nor in any municipal parking lot with the exception of portions of parking lots signed for odd/even parking or overnight parking.”
City mayor Scott Steve, who noted the change in the parking system “has been an adjustment,” said the resolution “cleans up” the city code on parking regulations when it comes to overnight parking.
“There’s still some adjustments that need to happen,” Steve added at Tuesday’s meeting.
Thompson told The Cortland Voice that more parking is needed for residents that live in apartment buildings in the downtown area.
“If they can’t park in certain parking lots, then they’re liable to get tickets they don’t need,” Thompson said. “It’s just erroneous tickets.”
Thompson noted that it “creates a bureaucracy” for residents, adding that it also “clogs up” the courts. Thompson added the timing of the transition to the new parking program with “tons of construction” underway.
“Where are these folks able to park in the downtown area? It creates more of an issue and more challenges,” Thompson said, including residents that don’t have their own driveway.
Cortland officials provided details about its new parking program on the city’s website:
“The City of Cortland is revising its downtown parking permit program to prioritize parking for downtown business owners, employees and residents. This applies only to monthly permits for City parking lots and replaces the confusing ‘resident’ permit system and the ‘odd/even’ overnight parking scheme.
There are no changes to Main St. parking. Parking on Main St. remains free, and free short-term parking (two-hour) is still available in City parking lots. There will be some parking lot reconfigurations to provide more two-hour parking spaces, all City owned lots will feature new and better signage.”
The city of Cortland recently installed new signs in regard to its new parking program. (Photo via Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
Steve mentioned on Tuesday that the city’s department of public works installed updated signs that indicate where two-hour parking limits and permit parking are allowed.
According to the city’s website, downtown parking permits cost $30-a-month. Permits are available for purchase by clicking here. The city’s website noted that due to limited availability in spaces, permits will only be offered to those working and living in the following areas:
- Main Street
- Court Street
- Or Central Avenue between Main Street and Church Street
Further details on the city’s new parking program can be viewed by clicking here.
