" I am all in for making downtown the place to be-as it was when I was young, I was there daily!I bought all my earring at yorks, fruit slices at fannie farmer, every 45 at grants, all my shoes at nolans, clothes at the big store & PBJ,bike & bowling ball from nolan sports, and my fav perfume downstairs of john stevens!
AHHH the good ole days!

I still say even with downtown changing plus having a senior housing in the center ----PARKING SHOULD BE FREE! "

" I like the kiosks. One is always just a few steps away. If I happen to be downtown on business, I have a receipt for my parking. A real upgrade from the nasty old meters.

By the way...brew is right. Auburn is just beginning its rebirth so there's little of a tangible nature to see. But it's happening. Be patient. And, for once, just once, be positive. Remember what your mother said, "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all." Mom was always right. "

" Well, brew, I hope you are right. I can't say I have a lot of faith, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt for now and see how they do in terms of downtoen renaissance.

[Being from Detroit, however, that's not a word I trust much -- the downtown Renaissance Center cost bundles and was a bust -- there is NOTHING to do in that tiny couple blocks of relatively clean and safe downtown Detroit].

In the bad old days they called it "Urban Renewal" which usually did more damage than good in the long run.] Still, if someone has the money they want to invest in giving it a try, it beats not even bothering. Go for it and good luck!

However, I don't know that parking meters vs. kiosks is a major factor. It's an additional inconvenience for the time being. I've only ever used the kind they have behind Willard Strait at Cornell (where you are thrilled to find a parking place at all!) -- but you just entered your parking space number and did not have to trek back to your car to put something on the dash -- that pretty much negates any positives of the kiosk system.

Leon has an interesting point. I mean, what's wrong with piggy-backing on someone else's dime? On the occasions when I put in more money than I needed to, I always hoped someone WOULD come along and use the time so it didn't go to waste. What should it matter WHO paid the parking time as long as it is paid? "

" You all are off target on this arguement and not up to date on trends. Downtowns are undergoing a rebirth all over this nation. Cities both large and small are developing their downtown areas to more housing, art centers, restaurants and the support retail shops to the residents of downtown. Auburn is attempting to do this with the Stardust foundation and the city planners. With every plan set forth the citizens of Auburn start their pesimistic letter writing saying it will never work and predict doom. Tax credits, zoning and code changes and maybe even turning over a property for a dollar to stimulate development will turn around the downtown and make the city turn around. It is being done in cities that have less to offer than Auburn and central NY. When people offer a plan try to be optimistic. "

" Other than the liberty store or Sams shoe store. I have no reason to go downtown. Like most small cities the downtown areas are dying off. Auburn fits the bill. Installing parking kiosks was a lame brain idea. Goverment knows what is best for us??? Turn them loose on health care also, BOOOO it scares me "

" Leon is right--even if that was not the intention of the city. The demise of downtown started with the arterial, and has continued with the sprawl of Grant Avenue (or some may call it the "suburbs of Syracuse"). Every city goes through changes, and our city has been doomed for over 25 years--just that no one saw this far ahead. Nothing can fix downtown, not even parking kiosks. "

" Auburn is trying to be a big growing city. wonder when they will realize, with the declining population and increasing taxes, that people are leaving. Listen, everyone in Auburn has a neighbor or relative that works for the city or school system. Can you see taxes being reasonable? "

" I think the main reason for them is that people will no longer be able to "piggyback" on the money someone else put in a meter, but didn't park for the full length of time. Like everything else, it's just a way to bring in more money to eventually get spent wastefully. "

" I agree-this is a good idea for bigger cities-with a LARGE downtown , But not for small Auburn!
especially a ridiculas idea for seniors, that can barely walk as it is!
No wonder why more people shop at walmart than downtown!
DOWNTOWN Parking should be FREE unless you are in one of the "lots"
"