Brighton Beach drivers, pols pan city over lack of enforcement at municipal parking lot

Last Friday, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (SD 23-Staten Island/Southern Brooklyn) called for immediate reforms to the parking system at Brighton Beach, shedding light on a steep quarterly permit fee increase from $500 to $625, significantly higher than fees at other city municipal lots.

During the Jan. 10 press conference, Scarcella-Spanton, joined by Council Member Inna Vernikov, Community Board 13 District Manager Eddie Mark, and residents, emphasized the financial burden the fee hikes place on older adults, low-income families, and residents on fixed incomes.

“The affordability of parking is a major issue for many of my constituents, particularly our older adults living on fixed incomes. It’s clear that the current parking rate of $625 at Brighton Beach is an unfair financial burden on them,” said Scarcella-Spanton. “This rate is disproportionately high compared to other lots throughout the city, and the problem is worsened by unauthorized parkers occupying spaces meant for permit holders.”

Scarcella-Spanton said she has engaged with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYPD over the past eight months to propose solutions, including a mechanical gate mechanism, an on-site parking agent, increased fines for violators, and enhanced NYPD enforcement.

Scarcella-Spanton introduced Senate Bill S9955 last December to address the financial strain on seniors. The proposed legislation would establish discounted parking permits for adults aged 62 and older who earn 50% or less of the Area Median Income.

“My goal is to make parking more affordable for my older constituents, while ensuring our municipal parking lots don’t become an unnecessary cash grab for hardworking residents who are already being burdened with these costs,” she said.

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