SUFFERN PARKING AUTHORITY WORKS TO MAKE SHOPPING IN THE VILLAGE EASIER
Shopping and dining has never been easier in the Village thanks to ample parking.

By Kevin T. Czerwinski

The Suffern Parking Authority is well aware of how the economic crisis has impacted the way Village residents live, shop and work. While the SPA can't put money in your pockets it can help you save money and time, two commodities that have more value now than ever before.

The SPA, whose office is located at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and Chestnut Street, has expanded its hours to better serve the Village residents and its visitors. The SPA office is now staffed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. In addition, the office will also be open 5-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 5-9 p.m. on Fridays.

There will also be a staff member in the office on Saturday's between 9 a.m. and noon and again from 5-9 p.m. to answer any questions, address any concerns or discuss any complaints that may arise.

We at the SPA want to make ourselves available to you whenever possible in order to make parking in the Village as easy, affordable and as pleasant as possible. We understand how difficult it is these days to make ends meet so why not take advantage of life in the Village and handle all your shopping and dining needs here in Suffern, where street parking is always free.

While there is a charge for commuter lots, parking passes are inexpensive and easily purchased by visiting Sufferndowntown.com. You can save time by simply visiting the website and clicking on the link in the top right-hand corner of the homepage.

SPA chairman Scott Shedler is about to announce the budget for the upcoming year. Included among the topics in the budget are the parking permits, which in many instances have been reduced in price in an effort to help Village residents and other consumers continue to enjoy Suffern while saving money. Shedler is always looking for ways to reduce the price of permit parking.

The five-member SPA board - which includes Shedler - is a voluntary position.

"It's important in these difficult economic times that we look after one another," Shedler said. "We're part of a community here in the Village and what better way to help your neighbor than to look out for him or her at every turn. We want our neighbors to know that the Parking Authority is here to help in any way it can and that includes allowing you to save some money when you visit and park in the Village.

"The Parking Authority isn't just another government institution. At least we'd like to think it isn't. The enforcement officers are very friendly and well known throughout the Village. Our office staff is equally friendly and attentive and we're always open to new ideas and suggestions regarding how we can make parking and life in the Village better."

The SPA has nine employees, including four staff members in the office. In addition, there are four enforcement officials that keep track of parking on the Village streets (which remains free for two hours) and in the Village's various lots.

For more information, call the Suffern Parking Authority at (845) 368-0017 or e-mail us at INFO@SUFFERNPARKING.com.

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