New Parking-Permit Law

For Contractors Considered

COOPERSTOWN – The village trustees are going back at a parking-permit law for contractors working within areas of Cooperstown where on-street paid parking is in force, a move that stirred controversy at a public hearing last month.

Revised in light of contractors’ objections, the new version – it was discussed at this evening’s April village board meeting – would charge contractors $25 a year for each vehicle, trailers or piece of equipment, and they would be allowed to park at work sites during the course of their jobs.

Cones would be permitted only for safety; if a contractor leaves the scene to get supplies, the space may not be there when they get back, according to the revised law, which may be commented on at another public hearing, this one scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 23, the trustees’ next meeting.

This version replaces a proposal that would have charged contractors a daily fee for each of their vehicles – as much as $45 a day – to do a job within the village business district.    Both versions are only targeted at areas of the village where there is on-street paid parking.