Several changes proposed for downtown Buffalo street parking

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Major changes to parking in downtown Buffalo are under consideration.

A new proposal from Fillmore District Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski has outlined a plan that would introduce a new “restricted parking district” that would encompass a significant portion of downtown Buffalo. It would also introduce revised parking meter rates and extended hours of operation for parking meters in restricted parking districts.

Below you can see how the plan is presented:

Restricted parking zone

The newly designed district would cover many of Buffalo’s busiest streets, including:

• Georgia Street
• Chippewa Street West
• Elmwood Avenue South
• Virginia Street
• Delaware Avenue
• Michigan Avenue
• Scott Street
• Louisiana Street
• Ohio Street
• South Park Avenue
• Allen Street
• Hertel Avenue
• Franklin Street
• Elmwood Avenue
• Pearl Street
• Main Street
• Ellicott Street

The streets were chosen to “improve traffic flow, provide adequate parking for residents and businesses and improve overall parking management” in the areas, according to a statement.

Revised parking meter rates

The amendment introduces multiple rates for parking meters, ranging from 25 cents for 15 minutes to $7 per hour for up to 10 hours. It also specifies that specific locations will see tiered rates, starting at $2 per hour for the first hour or two and increasing to $7 per hour.

Extended meter hours

The proposal would extend parking meter hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Currently, the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Meters would still not be in service on holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is no mention of any change to the event parking rate, which is located on several streets in downtown Buffalo and applies from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday for $2 per hour.

“We are committed to improving the economic health and quality of life in downtown Buffalo,” Nowakowski said in a news release. “This ordinance change is an important step toward better parking management, making downtown more accessible and convenient for residents, businesses and visitors.”

The amendment was introduced at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, where it was sent to the legislation committee for further discussion.