Notice anything missing from this parking meter in Downtown Hartford? Could it be that it doesn't specify neither the dates or times that one needs to pay for parking at a meter?! I noticed this today as we were stopping by the Wadsworth Atheneum to do some 'gift shopping' and my wife pointed out a couple placing coins in another meter. I've been asked this question several times over the years downtown, and only today realized why. Not to be too conspiratorial (but if you've been reading this or know me, you know I am), but clearly this is a cheap stunt to get a few extra coins out of rubes who don't know any better when visiting our city on the weekends! So, if you're visiting Downtown or know someone who is:
Free Parking - Weekday evenings AFTER 6 PM (and don't tempt fate before that!), and on Weekends
Shame on the Hartford Parking Authority for not clarifying this where it is most needed, at the meters. Hell, they don't even list this on their frakking website!
Recently, I discovered the hard way that they had jacked up the fine to $25 (from a moderate $15). Enough people always complain "how do does the city [administration] expect anyone to come enjoy Downtown when a) parking is bitch b) they have such steep prices for parking and c) face getting such a steep fine if you get caught at the wrong time." Ok perhaps, not all in one breath like that. The Hartford Parking Authority was created to deal with other complaints of corruption: specifically the abuse of politricksters to demolish buildings for flat surface lots and award contracts to axis allies who gouge motorists. These surface lots are one of the demoralizing visible symbols of the urban decay of Hartford. (a discussion for another time). So the Hartford Parking Authority was formed to oversee these types of handouts and pickpocketing. Has it worked? Having seen them year in and year out at the City of Hartford Budget Hearings, the answer is a resounding "No!" Sure they helped with the Morgan Street Parking Garage, but Hartford is still scarred by these surface lots that are empty the majority of the time. And the elected officials who should work with the Parking Authority have always seen them as a part of the city thrust upon them by the state to deal with this, so they have naturally always interacted dismissively with them. So, yet another way our city gets FUBAR on a regular basis.
And in an unfortunate circumstance, there are never visible meter maids or cops when you need one: after a nice evening at the Aetna Theater last night, visitors to the city & museum were greeted with a smashed car window. It wasn't like it was in a secluded area (not that visibility really dissuades someone from smashing a window) but it happens everywhere. That didn't keep the comment from coming: "This is why Hartford will never improve." Frankly, I have had my car broken into in the Borders parking lot, my parents had theirs broken into at my mom's job, and my friend commented last night that it happened to him in West Hartford center. Yes, people may be 'rotten' or desperate that they need something, but that doesn't make the city bad. And quite frankly, don't leave something valuable visible in your car! Who doesn't know that? I've seen it far too regularly. It sucks. But this is one way to fix the issue.
Frankly, we need to improve the quality of life in our cities and in our country. It won't get done until those that can, work together and become empowered against the negative elements. One way is to see through the smoke and mirrors of the politricksters and hold them accountable. You may not have voted them in, but your taxes pay their salaries (and in some cases, those of their families who they then get jobs for). So, start doing it!
Hartford: Let's make it better!
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