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BRONXVILLE N.Y. In an effort to create more parking opportunities and to promote green initiatives in Bronxville, residents who drive Vespas and other motor bikes can now park for free at the Avalon Lot if they seek a sticker from the village.
Many small communities can be plagued with a lack of parking, and while Bronxville has more than 1,200 metered spaces, it's simply not enough, according to Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin.
The lack of parking in Bronxville is a problem that can't be denied, said Marvin.
"We simply need more spaces and we are constantly trying to find out ways to produce more," said Marvin. "I would urge people to consider thinking about looking elsewhere for parking rather than just on Pondfield because it's just not sustainable for residents, workers and shoppers."
Factors that have furthered the parking problem over the years include the recent expansion of village stores and The Bronxville School. The school has increased in size and staff, but hasn't provided any additional parking to accompany its expansion, said Marvin.
"In addition to the schools, many stores have been forced to replace a single full-time employee with several part-time workers to save costs on health care," said Marvin. "The same store that once employed three people could now have seven."
People who live nearby to the business district should walk there, said Alicia Noone, Bronxville resident and mother.
"Walking from place to place does take slightly longer, but I try to walk as much as possible anyway," said Noone. "Something needs to be done because it's probably impacting retail stores the worst because shoppers often have a hard time finding a place to park."
Residents have presented various ideas to deal with the parking shortage through the years, including building a parking garage, but Marvin said these plans never went forward for various different reasons.
"Because there really are limited, options residents who are able to walk to and through the village are encouraged to do so," said Marvin. "Bronxville is so small that residents who live nearby could easily get to wherever they have to go. As for now commuters will just have to expand their parking zone, possibly walk some more and make the best of the situation."
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