68% Of Business People

Against More Paid Parking

Public Hearing At 7 Tonight In Village Hall

COOPERSTOWN – 68 percent of respondents to a Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce survey believe extending paid parking from Labor Day to Columbus Day would have a negative impact on their businesses, Chamber Executive Director Matt Hazzard announced today.

“Results are the entire membership,” said Hazzard in a letter to Chamber members.  “If just the Main Street Business District were represented, the number skew heavily in the direction of negative impact … It is evident that our members are against the expansion of paid parking to Columbus Day.”

Only 20 percent of those surveyed feel that, due to extra revenue in village coffers, the impact of expansion the paid-parking season could be positive.

Hazzard, who will present the findings at 7 p.m. this evening at a Village Board hearing on the required law change, will also propose village trustees convene a meeting with downtown businesspeople before any further expansions of paid parking.

He listed this additional points that he plans to present this evening:

“First, since the inception of paid parking in the village, businesses have been trying to adjust their business models to account for the direct impact it could have on their livelihoods.  Paid parking is clearly a contentious issue and while some businesses are still strongly against paid parking, the majority understand that the additional revenue has allowed the village to address areas of need.  However, they feel there is a limit to how far it should go.  Businesses are facing major issues in the near future, with assessments changing and a proposed substantial increase in the minimum wage to $15.  We should be looking at how we can help these businesses, not placing additional challenges.

“Second, the proposal to extend paid parking from Labor Day to Columbus Day is in direct contradiction of what is needed for this community.  Cooperstown does not want to, nor should it, be considered a seasonal destination.  Many businesses, organizations, and leaders have said that our greatest area of growth are our shoulder seasons.  However, by extending the season, businesses are fearful that it could negatively impact a time of the year that is already of great concern.

“Third, and perhaps the most concerning feedback we received from the businesses we spoke with, was the fact that they felt “I am not going to fill out a survey because the village does not take into consideration the options and opinions expressed by business owners.”  Small businesses are the heart and soul of this community, and they want to feel that their concerns are valued.  If 68% are against expansion, we hope that is valuable information to the village that will be taken under consideration.

“Lastly, the two parties that are most impacted by extending paid parking are the Village and the businesses.  However, there has not be an organized sit down to discuss options that can be beneficial for both entities.  Therefore, we also are going to propose that prior to any decision, the Chamber facilitates a meeting between Village Officials and a select group of business owners to discuss the best options for both sides.  Businesses understand the village needs revenue to maintain services, keep taxes down, etc., but are hoping that it can be done without negatively impacting businesses, and the livelihood of the owners.”