Improving Quality of Life
in Our Neighborhoods

After years of championing the need for a residential parking permit system, Senator Breslin led the fight in the Senate to pass legislation that alleviates the parking problems that have plagued downtown Albany residents for decades. Senator Breslin’s legislation balances the needs of residents and those of commuters by giving residents the opportunity to park near their homes while limiting the number of spaces that are subject to the permit system. 

“Parking is an ever growing headache for city residents who must contend with the tens of thousands of state workers who flood the city during the work week. The permit parking system will significantly improve the quality of life for those who live near the Capitol.” —Senator Breslin

FAQ
 

What does Bill S.396 do?

The bill authorizes the City of Albany to adopt a two year pilot residential parking permit system within a 3/4 of a mile radius of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. 

The permit system balances the needs of residents who live near the Capitol and those of public employees commuting to downtown Albany by giving residents the opportunity to park near their homes while limiting the number of spaces that are subject to the permit system. 

By implementing the permit system as a two year pilot program, lawmakers will be able to evaluate the system and its impact on residents and commuters. 

How many spaces would be permitted?

No more than 2,750 of the roughly 9,000 residential spaces in the area can be designated as permit only parking.  

Will there be parking for business patrons and visitors to the area? 

Parking spaces adjacent to commercially zoned property would not be affected. 

In fact, a permit parking system will benefit the small businesses within the Lark Street area and lower Madison Avenue area by creating more short-term parking for patrons.

The law requires at least 20 percent of the spaces in the residential permit parking area must be set aside for visitor parking of at least 90 minutes. 

Will there be parking for commuters?

The pilot parking program only affects 2,750 out of the 9,000 spaces available on residential streets, leaving 6,250 spaces available for commuters. In addition, over the past few years two state garages with thousands of additional parking spaces have been constructed within close proximity to the Empire State Plaza to meet the needs of public employees. The East Parking Garage has 2,300 spaces and the Sheridan Hollow Garage, which has 1,300 spaces.

How will the permit system be implemented?

The Albany Common Council must adopt a local law to implement the permit parking system. The members of the Common Council will be working out the details of the system, including the rules, the days and hours it will be in effect and fees. 

The City must hold a public hearing prior to adopting the permit system, which means there will be opportunity for public input and comment. 

The members of the Commons Council are fully committed to working with all stakeholders to implement a permit system that is fair and balanced to all parties.

What are the benefits of a residential parking permit system?

A parking permit system alleviates the parking problems faced by downtown Albany residents. The majority of residents and businesses near the Empire State Plaza do not have garages or driveways and must compete with the thousands of state workers and students who park on city streets. The permit system will give residents the opportunity to park near their homes as well as providing short term parking availability for visitors.  

Do other cities have residential parking permit systems?

EVERY capital city in the states bordering New York and within the northeast have a permit parking system. In New York State, 17 communities have residential permit parking systems.