Bell Boulevard in Bayside has had new “pay-and-display” parking meters installed as part of a citywide update.
According to Community Board 11 District Manager Susan Seinfeld, all meters in New York City will eventually be switched to a new model being used as part of an upgraded system.
The new hardware has a similar appearance to the old meters with the exception of a more compact, rectangular shape. Solar panels are built directly onto the top of the meter, instead of attached to a separate upward-facing platform as before.
The old meters will remain on the street until the new ones can be completely integrated into the system, but are not usable.
To patrons of the commercial Bayside commercial stretch, the switch is a major improvement over the old meters, which were frequently broken or out-of-service.
Bell Boulevard shopper Eileen Anderson said she once found three broken meters in a row on Bell Boulevard, and had to go to a meter on a completely different corner than where she parked her car.
“I was a little frustrated,” said Eileen Anderson, “I was annoyed.”
Local food service worker Juan Carmona said he often saw meters with red lights on to warn users of malfunction and has also experienced difficulty with meters not accepting payment cards or just not working.
“It frustrates me, but I work right here so it doesn’t make me late.”
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