A small change being considered by City of Amsterdam officials for the next winter season could require a big change to residents’ winter parking habits. During a public safety committee meeting held today at city hall, council members discussed the possibility of changing the switchover time for alternate snow parking from 6:00pm to 1:00pm.
The city’s code currently requires cars to park on the even side of the street on even numbered days, and on the odd side on odd numbered days with a switchover time at 6:00pm. The parking rules are in effect from November 1 to April 1.
According to Alderman Pat Russo, streets become difficult to navigate in the hours before and after the switchover time, when some cars have switched over and some haven’t. He said the problem is particularly difficult during the evening, creating a safety hazard.
“At least during the day, you can see cars,” said Russo.
Police Chief Greg Culick said that an earlier switchover time would be more convenient for day shift workers, who wouldn’t have to go out again to move their cars after getting home from work.
Culick pointed out that if the city were to try the new time during the next winter season, the city would have to print new tickets, create approximately six new signs at the entrances to the city, and send out notifications of the change to the public.
Officials also discussed the possibility of raising the fee for snow parking tickets by an additional $10.00. Culick mentioned that in February, the city had received approximately $10,000 in snow parking ticket fees.
An ordinance would be required to make a change to the city code, should the council decide to move ahead with the idea.
