If you're a frequent visitor of Midtown Crossing, you're going to see some changes, effective immediately. Pulling into the parking garages, you'll now see some different signs that say “three hours free parking with retailer validation.”

For Black Oak Grill General Manager Mike Cizek, the change makes sense.

“We've been a little concerned that people don't want to come eat at Black Oak Grill because there are people at like Jazz on the Green that are taking up a big chunk of the parking garage.”

From what Cizek says, the validation process is pretty easy. You get your parking card when you pull into the garage. Then, keep that card on you when you go to the business. After your purchase, you give that card to the employee who runs it through a special machine and marks it. Just make sure you have the card on you when you exit the parking garage.

“Each retailer down here is going to be a little bit different, but for the most part, I believe it's come in and buy something and we'll definitely make sure you get validated,” Cizek added.

Down the street at Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery and Deli, we found a sign walking in the door.

Their business is a little different, with a $5 minimum purchase.

“We'll validate your ticket and it's good for three hours,” said owner Mike Schwartz. “The reason we have the $5 on there is if somebody bought a pack of gum and used a credit card we'd lose money on that transaction.”

Wohlner's is also for the change, hoping that non-customers will now leave spaces for its customers, actually coming in and doing business.

Businesses WOWT 6 News talked to today expect there to be questions, but don't want people getting the wrong information that parking is no longer free.

WOWT 6 News reached out to Midtown Crossing for comment but never heard back.