Scranton Meter Legislation Tabled

It was supposed to be decided Thursday night, but it wasn't. Leslie Collins is the Executive Director of Scranton Tomorrow and she says "we were coming here asking for them to table the legislation and we are very glad that they heard the concerns." After a public caucus with the business vying for Scranton's parking contract, city council voted to table the motion to raise meter prices and extend meter hours. They also voted to table the motion to award standard parking the city contract. Councilman Pat Rogan says "the reason for tabling them. Obviously there are a lot of unanswered questions." Collins adds "I would like to thank you on behalf of the businesses Im sure that they are all grateful that you did listen to the concerns that obviously people have been calling you with and we thank you for tabling the legislation."

Some of those questions and concerns include why Scranton needs an outside business to run the parking system and what will happen to the existing parking employees. Scranton resident Doug Miller says "we understand that 6 or them will be coming back and employed by Standard Parking, but we know there are 6 others at this time who aren't being employed." In reply Romay Valero, Senior Vice President of Standard Parking says "the parking garage contract is completely separate from why we are here tonight."

Many unanswered question halting any parking decision, at least until next week. "We feel strongly that more information is needed for the justification of extended monitoring on weekdays the proposed edition of monitoring on Saturday's as well. We also encourage further discussion on the increased meter rates as well," says Collins. She says local businesses will conitnue to meet and talk about the parking issues with council. Meanwhile, Standard Parking says they will not walk away from this opportunity.