BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 7 Eyewitness News analyzed city parking data from 2007 to today and found the highest number of tickets issued in 2019 were on Elmwood Avenue.
Parking tickets in 2019:
- 6,000 on Elmwood Avenue
- 4,000 on Delaware Avenue
- 2,000 on Hertel Avenue
"It seems to be pretty aggressive [on Elmwood Avenue]. The only one who can answer that is the Commissioner of Parking Enforcement," said Council Member David Rivera, Niagara District.
Parking Commissioner Kevin Helfer said it's only logical, and the city is not targeting certain streets.
"Absolutely no where are we more aggressive than somewhere else. That something that I would never tolerate. Fairness is important," said Helfer, "[Elmwood is] one of our longest streets in the City of Buffalo. I can tell you that in terms of paid parking as a percentage, 1 in 5 meters are on Elmwood Avenue."
Helfer said if you feel you are ticketed unfairly, bring your ticket to city hall. Business owners on Elmwood Avenue said they are willing to help people coming to Elmwood.
"If somebody gets a ticket because their meter was expired for two hours, and they forgot because they're having such a great time at lunch, then unfortunately you're going to have to pay that ticket. But if it's just an education process, come to business owners. We'll talk to you about the Buffalo Roam app," said Therese Deutschlander, the president of the Elmwood Village Association and owner of Thin Ice.
Deutschlander said to not let the fear of getting a ticket deter you from visiting Elmwood Avenue. If you pay, you should be in the clear.
"Come to Elmwood and if there's an issue with parking, we'll work together on it," said Deutschlander.
