Correspondent Mark continues with this reference to the post below. The city of Savannah, GA, took a more enlightened approach to its parking problems. From the Local TV 3 news cast:
Parking rates will be changing in downtown Savannah, effective February 2, 2009.
The changes, adopted by City Council in December, are designed to help relieve congestion in the downtown area by encouraging long-term motorists to use off-street parking while freeing up spaces for short-term parkers.
The changes include:
GARAGES/LOTS
• Free parking is available at the Trade Center on Hutchinson Island with decal. A free ferry ride back and forth across the river is included in the package. Contact Jim Gilliamsen at Parking Services at 651-2834 to secure the proper decal/permit.
• The monthly fee in the Whitaker Street Garage has been reduced from $110 per month to $95 per month as a reflection of current economic conditions. Space is available.
• The Civic Center lot hourly rate has been reduced from $1 per hour to 30 cents per hour. Ten-hour parking is available. Parking in this lot may not be available occasionally because of special events.
• Monthly spaces are available at the Liberty Street Garage for $35 per month, which includes a free shuttle to the central core of downtown during the morning and evening rush hours.
• Reduced garage rates are being offered for off-peak hours at the Whitaker and Bryan Street garages, as well as the Robbie Robinson Garage on Montgomery and York streets. Off-peak hours are from 3 p.m. until 6 a.m., seven days a week. The fee is $35 per month.
ON-STREET
Parking meter rates in the central business and entertainment core will increase from 75 cents per hour to $1 per hour. This represents the first rate increase in five years. The goal is to encourage motorists to use garages, and encourage turnover at on-street spaces. The increase will be accomplished in phases through March 23, 2009.
This will entice parkers into garages and off street lots, free up on street spaces, reduce congestion, and most likely increase revenues for the downtown merchants. Those folks in Port Huron (below) simply don't get it. They are befuddled. They don't seem to understand that people act in their own best interest. If it costs less to park somewhere, they will do it. If it's free, they will park there. What's to understand.
JVH
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