Parking Meter Prices to Rise in Traverse City

Parking in Traverse City will soon cost more at the meters.

Tonight Traverse City commissioners voted in favor of raising the prices at parking meters.

The Downtown Development Authority proposed a $0.40 increase last October and was finally approved tonight which puts things in motion. Joyce Oatley, from Cadillac says, “It won’t stop us from coming here but who likes to pay more.”

Last October the Downtown Development Authority and the Parking Authority proposed to increase the parking meter rates from $0.60 to $1.00. Nicole VanNess, Parking administrator says, “We actually are below the price per hour in our core business district compared to other cities.”

This change in rates would help with parking pressure and allow more flexibility for those wanting to get a space. “I think it’s hard to find parking in this town so we drive around the block a few times and we usually give up and try to find a side street or going to the parking garage,” says Oatley.

The city commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the increased rates. “Whether you pay for it or not, someone will be, so I think we charge for a reason and that’s for circulation and to pay for what we have to build,” says Gary Howe, city commissioner.

They will also be changing the hour limit from 2 hours and extending it to 3 hours. “I’ve had to check my watch when we’ve been in the movie theater before and run out because you don’t want to get a parking ticket,” says Oatley.

The revenue that will come in from this will go towards better technology and newer meters. “We have 12 pay stations going in, they’re actually going in right now into lots but we hope to include more of those and down the road potentially some of the smart single head meters,” says Robert Bacigalupi, Downtown Development Authority.

The new system could go into effect as soon as May 1st. VanNess says, “The thing that we’re really looking at doing is upgrading our technology and upgrading our services so people don’t have a negative impact when they park.”