"The problem was that anything other than metered parking downtown had no enforceable consequences and over the years a lot of people figured that out," stated a city official wishing to remain anonymous.
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| City Planning Director Ramiro Gonzalez |
The conversation shifted to the city's stated plan to use any additional parking revenue for downtown revitalization. The cluster of city employees at a downtown lunch spot seemed skeptical: "The last time funds were earmarked for downtown revitalization, Ramiro Gonzalez spent the $75,000 on a study," stated one luncher. "I would oppose using the money for anything other than parking. Put it on the downtown parking garage or turning an empty lot into more parking. Don't just shove it down some study rathole!"
Another midday eater thought he knew how the money would be spent: "They'll probably put any revenue raised toward the mayor's new downtown office. The funny thing is he'll probably never be there. He seems to be out of town most of the time." (This observation may be right on the mark. At the last city commission meeting, when the mayor charged City Manager Cabler with setting up a town hall meeting dealing with downtown parking fees, he indicated he wouldn't be in town without knowing when, in the next two weeks the meeting would be scheduled.)
Those from Mexico know clearly that traffic and parking violations will not be enforced against them. I have seen nationals tear up parking tickets and throw them in the street. . As long as the parking and traffic enforcement only applies to American's or vehicles with U.S. tags; we will have disparity and problems. Parking downtown favors the nationals....no enforcement.
ReplyDeleteRecord the plates and boot the cars if they haven't paid a ticket. Increasing the fee is an ignorant idea that does nothing to grow business.
DeleteThis seems like bad timing with a sluggish economy, impoverished city and dying downtown.
ReplyDelete