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One of the more controversial topics to come to Fredonia in recent months -- that did not involve water -- was a potential parking plan that would have made motorists pay for spots through a cellphone app.
While some questioned the lack of the program being user friendly, especially for those who do not use smart phones, the reality is this type of parking program is located in many areas of New York state, including Buffalo and highly trafficked tourist locations.
Parking meters are out -- and cellphone apps are in.
When there is a vibrant downtown, parking can be an important revenue generator for municipalities. Unfortunately, downtowns across upstate are suffering. Shops and businesses have moved out while parking meters remain.
In a news release issued last week, Fredonia made a change of direction. It decided against the phone app parking program and offered two-hour parking.
That decision will, no doubt, please online poll respondents. Last week, our question was: Should there be free parking in area downtowns? Overwhelmingly, 92% said yes with 8% saying no.
This week's poll question, at www.observertoday.com: Do you think it is time to merge the Dunkirk and Fredonia police departments?