just read the notice about the new parking tag. does anybody wonder or care that we have to pay $20.00 for a new tag and that we are not going to be credited for our card, which we also had to pay for and which will be useless now? do you think we can do anything about it or are we at the mercy of the garage..... just wondering....

Yep, I care -- if not because of the $20 bucks, but for the principle and the tone it sets. 

It's my understanding that this is under the jurisdiction of the Board, who voted this system in, and, perhaps, without considering the ramifications. 

Firstly, it would have been nice / respectful to have been given some background as to why this was being considered, the cost of the new system, etc. prior to being ordered to give Standard Parking a copy of my driver's license and registration, as well as my 20 bucks.  Although this was raised at last week's House Committee meeting (a Godsend for those who take a more detailed interest in the building -- THANK YOU CINDY!) the only info given about the necessity for the new system was that we have to keep up with the times.

That being said, the issues I would have answered prior to initiating this new system are:

Isn't it true that the "old" system will have to be maintained along with the new "e-z pass" type system, in order to accommodate the day trippers, thus increasing the complexity of maintenance and potential for breakdowns as two distinctly different systems are operated side by side?

I'm sure that there are folks who enjoy the ability to slip the pass card into their wallet or purse and take it with them -- out of the car, as perhaps an added precaution to thwart someone who might want to illicitly drive their car easily out of the garage.  Will they be prone carry an "e-z pass" tag with them?

There are cars (like mine) whose windows are coated from the factory with a material which will not allow e-z pass tags to be read thru them.  That's the reason that e-z pass is also made in a tag that attaches to a license plate, putting it outside of the car so that the reader can properly read it.  Will Citylights be providing this option?

Lastly, and most importantly, an astute shareholder noted at the House Committee that currently, when exiting the garage, you're required to make a full stop at the gate in order to insert your pass card.  This allows for the amber warning light to come on, for pedestrians to be forewarned, for mothers of small children to take action for the safety of those approaching on the sidewalk in front of the exit.  With the new system, supposedly you can approach at say 15 mph and the gate will open and you can roll onto the sidewalk with nary a hesitation.  Cool.  But not so for those in those infamous blind spots on the sidewalk just to the right of the exit.  This seriously needs to be addressed, Board.

WOW, you sure love to write these long and dreary distortions. I for one, think it is a great idea. It is called progress. It is called technology. I'm sorry you have "coated windows" but you are the minority, the Board has to do what is best for the majority. Does anyone really think now that Speed Racer is in the theaters that people are going to race across the sidewalk with no concern for human life? We are all adults and I don't think we even need a gate to slow people crossing a sidewalk. Do you really carry your garage card in your wallet? I just leave mine in the ashtray I also think it is great because you don't have to position yourself to be able to reach the slot and not get your side mirrors torn off. And as far as the whopping $20.00, The Board just lowered your maintenance 5% so I think you can swing this one time payment.

I don't mind the $20 but the point about the safety is true.

Everyone in that garage is NOT an adult, that is why the come down the first floor ramp, ignore the STOP sign, and start turning into the main area at 5-10 miles an hour. They can't see the people walking out the 49th Ave side.

To think they seem adults would be respectful of another area of the garage is laughable.

Hopefully the bar will have a little delay that makes people stop.

Jake

Bossman -

What I try to do is to view an issue from all sides that might be effected, hopefully offering the pros and cons with no particular agenda.  It's pretty much what I'd guess most of us do with important decisions that we make for our personal lives.  Yes, there can be a lot of considerations, hence "dreary" dissertations.  It's the thought process I trust that the Board gives to all decisions.  What may seem trivial to you or me, could be very important to someone else, and whether they're in the minority or not their concerns deserve earnest consideration.

Dana