UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) – Drivers on the Upper West Side said they were blindsided after parking spaces that were once free became metered by the Department of Transportation.

Parking meters were installed in a 13-block zone, spanning from 73rd to 86th streets, along Columbus Avenue. The DOT sent Community Board 7 an email on August 11, stating that the Smart Curbs pilot program would take effect the following day, according to Councilmember Gale Brewer.

The Smart Curbs program, in which the DOT contacted Brewer’s office about in the spring, includes the following changes: • Innovative curb uses • Dedicated loading zones • Freight micro-hubs • Bicycle parking • Enhanced public spaces

Brewer said buried within that proposal, which had no community feedback time, was

See Full Page