New
metered parking signs installed Monday has caused major controversy on one
small residential street in Flatbush.
Residents
along East 10th Street told News 12 that they were given no official notice
before the Department of Transportation installed street signs that will
essentially take away 12 free parking spots from neighbors.
They
will eventually be two-hour metered parking spots. The meters aren’t installed
just yet, but the signs say they’re coming.
Residents
say the new signage deeply affects their quality of life. They say
previous metered parking on Church Avenue was taken out in favor of a new bus
lane.
“Taxes
are going up, and we can't even park on our block,” said one resident.
One
neighbor who relies on public transit to get around thinks the DOT is making
the right move.
“Making
sure there are spaces for people that are visiting these businesses along
Church Avenue without blocking the bus lane ensures that my commute and the
commute of tens of thousands of other people isn’t slowed down by traffic,”
said Elizabeth Denys.
News
12 reached out to the DOT, which said it is working closely to reduce traffic
by improving parking. It also said it is listening to residents and businesses
and is working to strike a solution.