Gizmo will direct you to empty parking spots

Here's a story from this week's Bronx Press.

By Brendan McHugh 

DOT hopes the senors can withstand the
New York weather and traffic conditions.

Need a parking spot? There may soon be an app for that. 

If the technology proves durable, drivers in the Bronx will be the first to find parking spots by checking their smartphones. 

Hockey puck sized sensors were drilled into the streets near Arthur Avenue last week in 177 parking spaces on both sides of 187th Street in Belmont. If they can survive the harsh weather conditions of New York for the next three months, motorists will be able to download a free application on their phones to find vacant parking spots. 

"We are making it easier for drivers to park. We are actually piloting new technology that will bring parking information into the palm of your hand," said Janette Sadik-Khan, the NYC DOT Commissioner. 

“There are benefits, not only to drivers but to the surrounding community,” she said. “You’re relieving the congestion and pollution associated with those people who are cruising around looking for parking.” 

The app will tell drivers if there are a high number of open spaces, if it is beginning to fill up, or if there are virtually no spots available. 

Sadik-Khan said they haven’t figured out how drivers will use the app while driving; using a mobile device not physically connected to the car is illegal in New York. 

“Right now we’re just testing the equipment,” she said. “The parking app has worked in other cities that have done it.” 

Cabrera has his own 999 plan

GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain rose to the top of the polls on his 9-9-9 tax plan, but in New York City, the trio of nines stand for something different.

Resolution 999, which passed in the City Council last week, will allow the City to donate city-owned computers, computer software and computer equipment to public and private institutions for secular educational use and to not-for-profit institutions for use by individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, or low income individuals.

The resolution came from Bronx City Councilman Fernando Cabrera and passed through his technology committee before the full Council.

“There has been much discussion about 9-9-9 plans as of late,” Cabrera said. “Turns out, the City Council has a 9-9-9 plan of its own as well,” he continued.

 

“More seriously, in this day and age, technology is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said. “And when it comes to serving some of the most vulnerable members of our society; our seniors, the disabled, and low income individuals; we cannot afford to leave them behind. Resolution 999 empowers the city to put technology where it needs to be, in the hands of the disadvantaged.”

 

Cabrera’s bill authorizes the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to donate surplus city-owned computers, computer software and computer equipment to public and private institutions for secular educational use and to not-for-profit institutions for use by individuals with disabilities, senior citizens or low income individuals.

 

These donations would be required to be based on a public notification process and competitive proposals from eligible organizations, through which the institutions requesting donations must demonstrate need and specific plans for the use of such equipment.

 

“At a time where funding for the service community is at all-time lows, any resources that the City can provide will go a long way,” Cabrera added.