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A letter I wrote to CM Evans this morning, who would apparently like to scrap the new red top meters:

Dear Councilmember Evans,

I believe you have the wrong approach when it comes the District Department of Transportation's new handicap meters. Anyone who looks at this issue can see that allowing individuals with handicap placards to park for an unlimited amount of time without paying is not in the best interest of the city. Such a policy is open to abuse and basically gives free parking to unscrupulous Maryland and Virginia commuters.

Creating dedicated metered spaces for individuals with disabilities is sound policy and similar programs are common in cities across the country. I work for a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers, many of whom are retired, to help us fulfill our mission. Some of those retirees have disability parking permits. Before the installation of the new red-top meter on our block of 800 K Street NW, many of our volunteers with disabilities had great difficulty finding parking and some days simply gave up. Contrary to this new program being a tax on the disabled, many of our volunteers with disabilities welcome paying for street parking now that they can find a space.

Thank you again for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,

Adam L

by Adam L on Mar 20, 2012 9:44 am • link • report