HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Woske
Lisa A. Woske <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking rates
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Good day,
I want to provide feedback for the Council discussion coming up regarding downtown parking:
— I signed up for the Locals Hour program, but have not used it yet because the system and pre-payment situation
required for what would have been a less-than-an-hour errand downtown. It wasn't very clear in concept and I even
made a special trip to the Parking Services office to have the drill explained to me. It still sounded confusing, so I just
have avoided downtown. Same with the meters.
— That said, the parking rate hike is outrageous and a major deterrent to why I’m not going downtown in general.
You’ve received many negative comments, such as the example of meeting someone for a $4 cup of coffee and it
costing a total of $8 for an hour visit. My son works at a popular downtown restaurant and has seen a steep decline in
patronage since July; people are not inclined to add at least $8 to their expensive meal to linger for a couple of hours
over lunch or dinner.
— Businesses are hurting and people are very vocal (especially on NextDoor) about refusing to pay for parking
downtown, thereby shopping and recreating elsewhere.
I vote for Parking Services to 1) reinstate the simple flat 1-hour free in both garages; 2) lower the hourly parking
rate significantly; and 3) that hours of parking operation end at 6 p.m. and return to reduced Sunday hours.
I believe the majority of residents agree with my stance.
Thank you for the consideration,
Lisa Woske
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