March 21, 2017
It's no secret that the absolute worst thing about going to Manayunk – and probably the worst thing about living there – is that it can be practically impossible to park your car. You have to leave early to plan a hopelessly aggravating 20-minute trip around the neighborhood, passing your destination multiple times only to eventually park at a 45-degree angle in a place you're not even certain is a spot. Someone may tap your car, and you probably tapped someone's car.
But there's some good news coming in April for frustrated Manayunk drivers, courtesy of the Manayunk Development Corp.
Four off-street parking lots operated by MDC partner Parkway Corp. will see a reduction in rates and the installation of new user-friendly equipment.
“Customers of our lots will key in their license plate number, select how much time they want to purchase, pay with a credit or debit card, and go!” said Jane Lipton, the MDC's executive director. “The old equipment required customers to find a parking spot, walk to a pay station to pay, and then walk back to their car to place a receipt on their dashboard.”
The four lots are located at 114 Green Lane, 108 Levering St., Venice Island (7 Lock St.) and 4000 Main St. Beginning in April at the Venice Island and Levering Street lots, parking will cost $2 per hour every day of the week. At 4000 Main St., the $2 per hour rate will apply on weekends and weekdays after 5 p.m. The lowest rate, at 114 Green Lane, will be $1 per hour.
Previously, all four lots charged $2.50 per hour during the daytime and a flat rate of $8.00 after 5 p.m.
With the new equipment, residents will be able to extend their time by phone after receiving a text alert, as opposed to walking back to the lot to buy more time.
As part of the MDC's new Parking Loyalty Program, participating local businesses will offer customers a parking validation coupon that can be used on a return visit. Merchants will have coupons for $2, $4 and $8 with indefinite one-time use codes.
“Essentially, we’re saying, ‘The next time you’re in Manayunk, parking is on us,’” Lipton explained. “We feel certain that this system will offer a more positive experience for our customers, our business community, our employees and ultimately our neighborhood residents who often must compete with visitors for parking spots. It’s a win for all of us!”
