There’s no such thing as a free lunch. And possibly soon, free parking. In an expensive city, one of the best bargains around is that so much street parking doesn’t cost drivers a dime. But it may not stay that way for long. New York City is toying with the idea of charging to use any of the three million free parking spaces on city streets. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said it could help residents find spaces and raise money at the same time. “Over a billion dollars worth of revenue that could be generated. But this isn’t about nickel and diming Manhattanites, but giving them a consistent place to park their cars,” said Hoylman-Sigal. The idea has been floated before, and seemed to get fresh life this week when the first deputy mayor sounded open to it. “It’s not a no,” said Deputy Mayor Dean Fuelihan, confirming that all revenue ideas are on the table with the city facing a giant deficit.  “We have to solve this structural problem and we need your help to solve the problem,” Fuelihan said. One person who doesn’t sound so on board? Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In a statement on Friday, he clarified that “you do not fill a $5.4 billion budget gap through parking meters, we need structural change at the scale necessary to put our city back on firm financial footing.” As for New Yorkers wondering if their days of parking free are numbered, there is one question that comes to top of mind: How much would it cost? “How high do they go as far as buying a spot. Do they have a set price so everyone can afford a spot or is it for the rich to buy?” asked driver Richie Cruz. “Somebody making $200,000 could afford a $30,000 space. But what about somebody down the block who makes the minimum salary? How could they afford a parking spot?”  City officials said all revenue-generating ideas are on the table, including parking permits and adding meters. But don’t expect anything fast, with the current budget deadline in June. ...read more read less