BUFFALO, N.Y. — North Buffalo residents quickly took notice of new parking signs posted in a popular Hertel Avenue parking lot.
People often park their cars at Walgreens, on the northwest corner or Hertel and Parkside avenues, then take short walks to a number of nearby shops and restaurants.
Red signs line the parking lot with QR codes prompting people to pay for parking. Other signs warning residents free parking is only for Walgreens customers. 2 On Your Side counted 32 free spots and 26 paid spots. Rates start at $3 and go as high as $10.
Gregory Wright wants the city to add more parking but knows it will be difficult.
"This area is so cram-packed to add a parking garage that they would have to tear down something," Wright said.
2 On Your Side reached out to Walgreens on Wednesday afternoon, asking about these new signs and parking plan. We received a response on Thursday morning.
"The majority of the lot still remains for Walgreens customers who do not have to pay to park. This will just provide some flexibility to the public who are having a hard time finding parking, they can pay to use our lot if they are going to a surrounding business," the company said.
According to Erie County, Walgreens owns the lot.
Nearby residents said they know not to park in this lot, but they also say they are tired of fighting to find parking.
"You're in the comfort of your driveway with your car. A lot of stuff happens on the streets or the parking lots. If you get hit, you can't do much about it," one resident said.
Walgreens customers do not have to pay for parking if they use spots that are reserved for customers.
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