The Village Board of Cedarhurst Announces Pilot Program of New Parking Meters
CEDARHURST, NEW YORK, September 28, 2014 – Keeping with its longstanding tradition of being at the forefront of technology and services, the Village of Cedarhurst has launched a pilot program of new hi-tech parking meters on a portion of Central Avenue between Cedarhurst Avenue and Spruce Street.
“These meters work differently than the old meters — they are interactive and dynamic and take credit cards as well as quarters, all at the parking stall… no walking back and forth to a muni- meter kiosk”, says Mayor Andrew Parise. “An important part of this phase in period is to give the public an opportunity to see and learn how the new meters work. During this phase in there will be customer service representative on the street of Cedarhurst to assist village patrons”, says Parise.
“We believe this is the fairest and friendliest meter on the market today and we are committed to providing an exceptional shopping and parking experience”, says Ari Brown, a trustee in the village who first brought this new technology to Cedarhurst.
This new meter is a publicly available resource that can broadcast important messages, emergency alerts and targeted advertising. In addition, it supports two-way communications. Each meter is equipped with an 8.0 inch high-definition, color touch screen, speakers and microphone. The new meters can broadcast emergency messages to make the community aware of rules in effect during adverse weather conditions, in construction zones or in response to security threats. Depending on the application, citizens, village workers and law enforcement personnel can use it to make calls, make immediate contact with pre-defined hotlines, dial 911 with the touch of a soft key—even set up video help calls.
When the meter is in a dormant state, that is, not in the process of managing parking for a vehicle approaching, occupying or departing a stall, the screen could display a series of scrolling public service announcements or advertisements. When the sensors detect a vehicle entering the stall, a screen providing parking rates, instructions and payment options pops up. In the event that the mayor’s office or the police command center wanted to broadcast an emergency notice, a screen assigned the highest priority—one with that takes precedence over all others—pops up to display the message.
“There are many great features and benefits of these new meters”, says Brown, “but the best part is that it will not cost the village, its landlords or residents, one cent. As the Mayor has taught us, no new service or benefit should ever come from tax payer dollars”. The village will collect its typical annual return of all meter collection and split the difference of any additional collections with the meter company. The meter company is responsible for supplying, installing, servicing and removal of all meters and devices. No new costs or fees will be borne on the village or its residents.
Any questions can be directed to Ari Brown at Village Hall at 516.295.5770.
