Politics & Government

Council Approves Paid Shopper Parking Program

Council will have a public hearing and final vote to allocate funds to pay for program at Dec. 7 meeting.

Council voted 4-3 to re-institute a paid shopper parking program in the three shopper lots on DeForest Avenue Wednesday night.

Unlike the proposal Parking Services Manager Rita McNany made in July which was defeated by council, the new rates maintain the current two-hour complimentary parking structure. After that, the structure increases to $2 for up to three hours, $4 for up to four hours, $8 for up to five hours, $10 for up to six hours, $20 for up to seven hours and for a lost ticket. These fees and time limits will be in operation Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We're really trying to be more customer friendly," McNany said.

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Based on the Desman Parking study in 2008, McNany's report estimates revenue from the change (excluding the Bank Street lot) to be $691,598.

McNany estimates the program could be in place by May 2011.

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"This is the best proposal for right now for what's right for Summit," she said.

Council will consider a bond ordinance for $775,000 to pay for the program and for improvements to the Sampson lot at the Dec. 7 council meeting.

Councilwoman Ellen Dickson said the shopper lots will need to be re-striped in order to comply with the number of handicap spaces required and to widen the extremely tight spaces. This would result in a net loss of three to four parking spaces in each of the DeForest shopper lots but not on the bottom level of the Tier Garage.

Councilmen Tom Getzendanner, Steve Murphy and Michael Vernotico all voted against the program. Getzendanner has repeatedly called for parking in Summit to be privatized and Vernotico wanted to see parking remain free on Saturdays. Councilwoman Ellen Dickson, Council President Dave Bomgaars, Councilman Rich Madden and Councilwoman Nuris Portuondo all voted in favor.


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