BUFFALO, N.Y. — The City of Buffalo has halted the new paid parking program in the Walgreens lot on Hertel Avenue, which has garnered much attention lately.
The new system was installed last week to help manage non-customer use. For years, people have used the lot to shop at businesses other than Walgreens.
As with anything new, the signs and procedures confused people initially although many understood why Walgreens, which owns the lot, would require people to pay.
"Well there's no spots on the street for street parking and I know they just instituted the new pay lot and three bucks is not the end of the world," said Susan Jaworski from Tonawanda.
Confusion grew over the weekend however when the City of Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspections ordered Walgreens and its contractor Premium Parking, to cease all operations.
People haven't known what to do since.
"I don't know what's going on it's all new to me," said Joyce Melton.
On Monday, dozens of people tried to pay using the provided QR code posted in the parking lot but it didn't work. The only signs notifying people were small and posted at the entrance to the lot by the City of Buffalo.
"It's not frustrating I just want to make sure my car doesn't get towed," Tajina Ross said.
"It doesn't tell you why it won't work and you had to tell me why it won't work," said Jaworski.
According to Permit and Inspections Commissioner Catherine Amdur when concerned citizens contacted the city about the new paid parking, her office determined it did not comply with the Buffalo Green Code.
In a statement, Amdur added: "Permit & Inspections issued a Cease All Operations while we work with all parties toward a solution which may include a small change to the Green Code to address this situation and others like it."
A Walgreens spokesperson told 2 On Your Side on Monday that it was moving to end its relationship with Premium Parking after the snafu.
They added in a statement:
"We have provided notice to terminate our agreement with Premium Parking for not fulfilling requirements of the contract and are evaluating next steps. In the meantime, Walgreens customers will continue to have access to free parking at this location."
As for what neighbors on Monday thought about likely paying to park going forward?
"It makes a lot of sense because they're taking up space so their patrons can't even get parking," said Melanie Hicks.
"They pay to maintain their lot and have it plowed and everything and three dollars for 90 minutes really isn't the end of the world," Jaworski said.
The city is said to be working with all parties toward a solution which may include a small change to the city's Green Code to address this situation and others like it.