Planned parking meter rate increases in the four boroughs outside of Manhattan — and on streets north of 86th Street in Manhattan — have been deferred as part of a budget deal negotiated between the City Council and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, officials said Thursday.

As The Wall Street Journal reported, the council successfully persuaded the mayor to restore $35 million in cuts he ordered in November to this year’s budget as part of an effort to combat a multibillion deficit in the fiscal year beginning July 1. Most notably, the mayor rescinded a plan to shutter 20 fire companies at night and restored cuts to programs affecting children and senior citizens.

As part of the deal, the mayor also agreed to roll back several fee increases he ordered.

Last year, for instance, the mayor gave the green light for the Department of Transportation to increase the rate of passenger parking at 47,532 single-space meters and 1,351 muni-meters citywide, including Manhattan above 86th Street. The initiative was expected to raise $2.4 million this fiscal year and $13.8 million the following.

But the council announced Thursday that increases to parking meter rates have been deferred.

In addition, the mayor had ordered the doubling of admission fees at the city’s 32 recreation centers. At centers with pools, the adult fee would have increased to $150 from $75. At those centers without pools, the fee would have increased to $100 from $50.

As part of the deal, the council said Thursday the membership fees will remain at their current rates this year.

“We recognize the difficult times we face and the Council has worked incredibly hard to ensure that any cuts that are made are done in the most thoughtful and responsible manner,” Council Speaker Christine Quinn said. “We worked to secure funding for programs that serve the most vulnerable New Yorkers and to find alternative savings in order to reach a fiscally responsible budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”

(Source: WSJ)