The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is trying to find a way to reap some of the benefits from independent parking lots within the vicinity of Queens’ airports.
The PA said it is negotiating with owners of the lots that cater to customers at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports to see if the agency can charge them with fees for the profits they make on customers using the airports. In an e-mailed statement, the PA said it is looking for ways to improve its revenue to help customers and noted that other airports already charge fees at independent lots.
“Spreading the costs of operating airports to businesses that use the airports is a matter of fairness. These fees benefit our passengers by helping finance projects that increase airport capacity and amenities,” the agency said in a statement.
The PA did not disclose how much it is looking to fine the owners.
Herb Anderson, chairman of the National Parking Association, said the move could potentially harm the PA and the private lot owners if the fees are too high and passed on to motorists.
“Ultimately, what they have to be careful about is driving away customers,” he said.
— Ivan Pereira
