Albany Parking Victim of Senate Stall

For people living in Albany's neighborhoods surrounding the State Capitol parking has become a notorious cat and mouse struggle and its been going on for years..  And now legislation that would finally bring a parking permit system to the city has apparently become another victim of the Senate struggle for power. On Monday the State Assembly passed its version of the permit authorization bill. But a Senate version,the one important piece needed to send the bill to the Common Council,is locked in a zone of uncertainty created by the lack of deal that would allow State Senators to move forward.  Sixth Ward Common Council member Richard Conti says the lack of leadership in the Senate is affecting the lives of real people.  Jesse Hill, a hairstylist who has run a business in Center Square for over 30 years,hopes the Senators can find a way to do the people's business and pass a parking permit bill that would change the quality of life for thousands.  The parking crisis has been created by the onslaught of state workers who park on the street taking spots away from people living in those neighborhoods. In 1987 lawmakers did approve a permit system for neighborhoods around the Capitol but it was struck down because of a court fight by state worker unions.   Since then a parking permit system has remained an elusive political achievement. Conti is asking residents to call Senator Neil Breslin to urge him to help create a solution to the Senate squabble.  We spoke with Breslin Thursday and he said "if a power sharing agreement can be reached the parking permit system bill still has a chance."