Grand Rapids, Michigan

In a recent Mobile GR Committee meeting, Mayor David LaGrand shared his thoughts on how raising the cost of street parking from $2 to $6 an hour could help address Grand Rapids’ limited parking capacity while generating more funding for other local causes.

This comes as more large entertainment developments enter the city, putting additional pressure on already limited parking options for residents.

Raising street parking rates does not hurt out-of-towners coming in for a concert or event. It hurts locals who are trying to go out to dinner, hit the gym, or stop for a coffee.

Other than private parking garage owners and city officials who want more money to spend, who actually benefits from this?

To be clear, this is NOT an official proposal at this point. It is just an idea. But it is one worth paying attention to.

Local residents should be voicing concern, especially as Grand Rapids’ infrastructure and mobility have already been under pressure in recent years. This would effectively act as another tax on locals while discouraging downtown commerce. Why pay $6 an hour to park for dinner downtown when parking is free at chain restaurants in the suburbs?

In just the past few years alone, street parking enforcement hours have already been extended from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Media and news via: @calder.news

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