Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
The End of "Pay to Pray?"
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 30, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 30, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
As the Mayoral election approaches, the issue of Sunday parking is back. On Wednesday the City Council voted 41-3 to end the "pay to pray" levy, which essentially will stop parking meters on Sundays. Doing so is going to cost the City an estimated $7 million in lost revenues.
The general argument against "pay to pray" is that since Sunday metering was dramatically expanded in 2002 parishioners have been forced to run out to feed quarters into meters before, during and after services. On the other side is the point that taking away metered Sundays will only make things worse as people will start parking their cars on Saturday night, not moving them until Monday morning. The theoretical lack of parking on Sundays could hurt businesses that depend on their clientele being able to park nearby. Not to mention the fact that there are many religions that don't worship on Sundays.
The issue isn't going anywhere fast as Bloomberg is opposed to the idea and is almost certainly going to try and veto it (he called it "fiscally irresponsible" on his radio show). Since Gothamist doesn't really own a car, metering on Sundays seems perfectly reasonable to us (now, if the subways were free on Sundays...). But then again, we don't own a car. What's your take?
Tagged
As
bloomberg
city
City Council
election
gothamist
media
On Wednesday
parking
people
Politics
radio
Since Gothamist
subways
Wednesday
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 2:01 p.m. ET
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
NYC tow companies busted for ripping off drivers must give $67K in refunds, city says
By
Liam Quigley
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .