I gaze in utter amazement. All along the side and back of the New Bedford YMCA. These new parking meters are scheduled to swallow quarters the first week in May. According to the Parking Commission, the slew of two sided meters cost approximately $21,000. What a waste of money. The projected revenue from all the new meters, between $20,000-$30,000, annually.

New Bedford City Councilor Dana Ribeiro loves the idea women shoppers can pay by app. She admits no one has told her the downtown area needs more meters. No kidding? Here's the icing on the motorist's cake. Ribeiro claims a relative was once a meter maid with nice shiny boots.

Bottom line: Unless I must, unless I'm pressured for time, forget the thought of me dropping quarters in these meters or downloading this app. I can shop and eat elsewhere.

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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