CAZENOVIA -- Neighbors and lawmakers agree: parking in the Village of Cazenovia has some problems. But they aren't agreeing on proposals to help fix the situation.
Village board members want to double the current parking ticket fine from $10 to $20 -- akin to other local communities. "If you want people to come to the village, I don't think doubling the fines will help," Joan Nicholson, of Cazenovia, said.
However, one of the main reasons behind hiking the fines is Cazenovia College, nestled into the heart of the village. Students on campus face a $15 fine for parking infractions, so many may find it worthwhile to head down a block and face a lower fine from the village.
Ashley Turner recently paid off a village parking ticket, after parking between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m., when her designated spots were taken by another driver.
In addition to the hikes, village officials would also expand free "all-day" parking, towards the outskirts of the village. "I don't even know where all day parking is and it's pretty far," Turner said. "I don't want to have to hike to find decent parking and walk safely to my apartment."
The village board will talk about the proposed changes again at their next board meeting February 1.
