Mayor Adams Halts Controversial Parking Plan on Upper West Side
Mayor Eric Adams has decided to pause the city’s plan that aimed to remove numerous free parking spaces on the Upper West Side, especially after local residents expressed their anger about it.
Recently, the City Department of Transportation (DOT) started advising drivers to pay at 70 free parking spots stretching from West 73rd Street to West 86th Street, in a rather upscale part of Manhattan.
Under the proposed changes, vehicles parked in certain areas along Central Park West and Columbus Avenue would have had to pay $5 for the first hour, and $8.25 for a second hour, every day (except Sundays) between 8 AM and 10 PM.
Previously, drivers could utilize these spaces without charge at all hours, barring a 90-minute window set aside for street cleaning twice a week.
Deputy Mayor Mastro reached out to local councilor Gale Brewer on Tuesday, indicating that the DOT would begin to “roll back” its plans in response to the backlash from the community.
Mastro acknowledged in the letter, “We agree that agencies can do more to provide information on the details and timing of our programs and keep the public informed.” This seemed particularly relevant, given the neighborhood’s heavy reliance on vehicles and ongoing concerns about affordability for New Yorkers.
He continued, “So, as per your request, we’ll revert this parking plan back to the previous state until we can gather more public input on the specifics of how the DOT intends to implement this plan, ensuring better communication before any new measures are enacted.”
Mastro noted that it will take about two days to update the signage indicating the reinstated free parking, assuring that drivers wouldn’t be penalized for any violations during this “grace period.”
Despite the DOT’s rationale for the change, which is to enhance access to businesses on Columbus Avenue and expand curb space for community needs, local councilor Brewer expressed her discontent with the plan initially. She mentioned that many constituents had felt blindsided by the loss of parking spots. Recognizing the swift action taken, she praised their decision to reverse course.
“I’m genuinely thankful for the Mayor and Mastro stepping in,” Brewer expressed, noting the flood of frustrated messages her office received.
She added, “It was quite distressing for my staff, who dreaded answering calls.” Brewer also mentioned her bewilderment over the push for more paid parking, especially since she hadn’t heard any merchants advocating for this change. “Not a single person I spoke to supported it,” she said.
