If you plan to park in downtown Newburgh, be sure to bring your credit or debit card.
The city replaced its old coin-only parking meters with cashless ones on Monday.
Since then, News 12 has received several complaints from residents and business owners that it is difficult to use, excluding low-income city dwellers who only use cash.
“Ridiculous. Especially the surcharge,” said one man who saw News 12 paying for parking.
Meters charge 25 cents for every 15 minutes plus an additional 15 cents if using a debit or credit card.
Christine Bello, who owns Chris Dian Florist on Broadway, says the city’s decision to install them is a far cry from the city’s largely low-income demographic.
“They eliminated my entire customer base by making this strictly card,” Bello said. They don’t have smartphones, what were they thinking?”
Residents who live downtown also have to pay street parking fees daily.
Meters are located along the city’s business corridors on Broadway, Liberty, Prospect and Grand Street.
The Boat Launch Parking Lot on River Road is now paid parking for the first time.
Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said the new meters will generate new revenue for the city to continue to grow and revitalize.
“Businesses have merchant authentication options for their customers, and residents can park in municipal parking lots,” says Harvey.
Harvey says street parking is free before 8am and after 6pm.