Sewickley officials launch new parking system, app

Sewickley’s new parking system launched on July 17 when the new Flowbird parking meters were activated.

Motorists are able to use its mobile app and the ParkMobile app to pay for parking.

The meters are solar-powered and have a touch screen instead of a keypad like the old system. They can be turned on via a green button marked by a sticker at the bottom right of the screen.

The system is paperless, meaning parking receipts will be sent digitally and not printed out.

Borough manager Donna Kaib said converting to the new system cost just under $370,000. This included new meters, setup and installation.

Borough officials celebrated the change via a community event at Wolcott Park in Sewickley’s business district.

Parking manager Grace Frank and others were on hand to show people how to use the new meters and parking apps.

“I’m very excited about it,” Frank said. “The new meters are very intuitive, very easy to follow on-screen instructions. I believe the former system was counter-intuitive. The keypads were very glitchy. These are all touch screen. We did add three additional meters and relocated a couple for convenience. … There’s also (new) signage that goes up here. Overall, things are more visible (and) very easy to operate).”

People can access a parking map via the meters. It shows a color-coded grid with the different zones and other meter locations.

The machines are designed to accept credit/debit cards as well as quarters. Parking fees were also adjusted with the new system.

Central business district rates are $1.50 per hour with no time limit. Rates just outside the business district, known as Zone 2, remain 50 cents an hour and $4 per day with no time limit. The minimum transaction in both areas is 50 cents.

A text alert can be sent to a cellphone alerting the motorist ahead of meter expiration. They can then add more time via text.

Frank spent most of launch day walking the streets helping others with the meters, including one woman who had trouble using coins at a meter along Beaver Street.

User reviews were mixed. Several folks, including residents and dental office employees, said they preferred the old system because it gave receipts.

Another man along Beaver Street said “you have to be an engineer” to operate the new machines.

Council president Cynthia Mullins understands there will be an adjustment period for residents and visitors using the new system.

“So far we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” she said. “This is a big change and we understand visitors will have a bit of a learning curve. Our parking staff and vendors will help patrons through the changes. We welcome feedback so we can address any unforeseen issues and provide assistance as folks work through the process.”

Sewickley Chamber of Commerce officials also expressed joy about the parking changes.

“As business owners, we are often the first to hear concerns or compliments from residents and visitors on topics related to the business district,” said Denise Shirley, chamber president and owner of Gather. “Clearly, all parties, including the borough and council, knew the old system was frustrating to use and often a hindrance to commerce.

“The new parking meters and apps are familiar to many who have used them in the city of Pittsburgh and elsewhere. That familiarity and ease of use is a welcome change and the chamber hopes that encourages more people to visit Sewickley and linger a little longer. … So far, the chamber has received positive feedback on the system and transition and we are grateful for the change.”

Shirley hopes the borough and app companies will continue to work together and offer assistance through at least the summer as part of the transition.

Frank said the borough will be “very lenient” when it comes to tickets and parking enforcement for at least the next several weeks and possibly a month or two.

Pamphlets explaining the new parking system are available at the borough office, 601 Thorn St.

People can also email Sewickley’s parking department at parking@sewickleyborough.org.