City may expand program from Armory Square and Hanover Square to other sites

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the upcoming start of a new pilot program to test curbside parking for “grab-n-go” service from restaurants and retail stores in the City of Syracuse. The pilot, beginning Wednesday, May 27, will take place in two of Downtown Syracuse’s most popular dining and shopping districts: Armory Square and Hanover Square.

“The curbside and in-store pick up or drop-off requirement due to COVID-19 creates opportunities and challenges for restaurants and retail stores. We can creatively use our right-of-way to help city businesses adapt and be more competitive in a rapidly changing economic climate,” said Mayor Walsh. “Shoppers and diners will be able to order their items and complete their pickups in designated areas without being concerned about a parking ticket. We hope it works for businesses and customers and are prepared to expand it to other parts of the City.”

Under the pilot program, short-term parking will be allowed in designated areas in the 100 block of East Genesee Street in Hanover Square and the 300 block of South Franklin Street in Armory Square. The City will temporarily suspend the parking meter requirement and open up space not currently used in the designated areas. The spaces will be marked with special signage created by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse.

The Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and the Transportation Planning division of the Department of Public Works will monitor the pilot parking program in Hanover and Armory Square. If the Downtown pilot is successful, the City will announce an application process for businesses in other parts of the City to submit proposals to use the right of way in their areas for curbside pickup.  

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