BRATTLEBORO-On Nov. 21, the town transitioned to a new parking system, replacing 147 meters with nine new centralized kiosks and updating existing parking lot kiosks so that all parking is paid for with coins or credit/debit cards, via text message or smartphone app.
The changes have sparked frustration among residents and visitors, with complaints surfacing both online and in local stores.
"We've heard nothing but complaints," said Red Durkin, owner of Everyone's Books on Elliot Street. "People are trying to comply, but it's not very clear."
Durkin noted confusion about several aspects of the new system, including the need to enter a license plate number, questions about the continuation of printed vouchers, and the newly introduced Sunday parking fees.
"I've started parking down the road and walking," said Ann Zimmerman, a longtime employee at Everyone's Books. "One of the perks of working Sundays was not having to pay to park."
Sunday parking fees are just one of the changes aimed at addressing a longstanding deficit in the town's Parking Fund.
In May, town staff proposed the new system to the Selectboard to increase revenue and reduce reliance on the general fund, which is primarily supported by property taxes.
"The reason is to put downward pressure on property taxes and have the users of the system pay for the system," explained Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland.
Business owners question timing
"We're trying to keep the town vital," said Linda Fagan, owner of Distinctive Decor on Main Street. "With empty storefronts downtown and the bad press we've gotten in the past, it's probably bad timing for a new, more expensive parking system."
Among her concerns, Fagan highlighted new challenges in maintaining a clear loading zone near her store.
"There are usually three designated loading zones up here," she explained. "Now, if someone parks there and doesn't know, they get a fine. It's not really that clear."
With the rollout of the new system, Moreland expressed openness to feedback.
"If we find that we're issuing a lot of additional tickets for the loading zone, then maybe we look for a way to make that sign a little bigger," he said.
Currently, loading zone spots in Brattleboro are marked with green paint lining. The fine for parking in these zones between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. has increased to $75, up from the previous $50.
Increased rates across the board
Fines, fees, and permits have all seen increases under the new parking system, part of an effort to make the parking system self-reliant.
The Selectboard reviewed several options, ultimately deciding on a model that would hopefully lead to a 100% cost recovery in the coming fiscal year.
The goal is for the parking fund to cover its maintenance costs.
"Plowing, line striping, and keeping parking lots free of potholes is expensive," said Finance Director Kimberly Frost.
The parking fund's greatest expense lies in the maintenance and operational expenses for the Brattleboro Transportation Center.
In a May 29 memorandum to the Selectboard formalizing the parking changes, town staff across multiple departments noted that the departure of two anchor tenants in the parking garage complex - Dotties Discount Foods in 2020 and Experienced Goods in 2022 - represented an annual loss of $100,000 in rent.
An 'interesting challenge'
Greg Worden, co-owner of Vermont Artisan Designs and Kitchen Sync, has witnessed many of his customers walk in the door perplexed from their experience with the new parking kiosks.
"Customers aren't sure if they're supposed to get a paper voucher to prove they've paid," Worden said. "And they don't know how much time they have left on their parking."
He added that many people find the machines difficult to use. "By the time they finish, a line has formed behind them," he said.
"I don't think they have it dialed in," said Brattleboro resident Jessa Harger, after her first experience parking downtown since the changes.
"The app was easy to use and quick," she explained. "Entering my credit card information took the longest, but I appreciated being able to check how much time I had left on the app."
However, that peace of mind didn't last.
"When I got back to my car, there was a parking ticket on it," Harger said. "I had parked around 11:30, and the ticket was issued at 11:45."
Acknowledging the imperfections
"The app can sometimes give people a hard time," Frost said. However, she reassured users that if they've paid and still received a ticket, the parking supervisor can verify their payment in the system.
The frustration isn't limited to in-person interactions.
"Online, people are really hating on it," Worden said. "It gives people a way to vent about greater frustrations."
Still, Worden highlighted a positive note: "We have some really good stores downtown," he said. Despite recent closures, he emphasized, "we still have the opportunity to shop local."
In support of downtown businesses, the town waived parking fees on Dec. 6, 7, and 8 for "Holly Days, Holly Nights" -an event organized by the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance and the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce.
Echoing the importance of clear signage to educate visitors about the new parking system, Greg Lesch, the chamber's executive director, reflected on a similar debate from years ago regarding the traffic pattern around the courthouse.
"When it was introduced, people were so passionate for or against it," Lesch said. "Essentially, it became a roundabout with a one-way pattern - what we see today.
"In the end, people learned how to navigate it," he observed.
"People don't like change," Lesch said. "There will be a learning curve, but with time, people will get used to it."
This News item by Devan Monette was written for The Commons.