Scranton council adopts amended parking concession, removes Saturday meters and narrows weekday enforcement

The Scranton City Council on the seventh-order final vote adopted an amended concession agreement and changes to the city's metered parking rules, removing Saturday enforcement and reducing weekday enforcement hours from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

The action, taken after public comment and a contentious reintroduction and amendment process, authorizes the mayor and city officials to execute an amended and restated Scranton Metered Parking System Concession and Services Agreement and an amended and restated Scranton Parking Facilities System Concession and Lease Agreement. Council members said the changes were negotiated to avoid a default and potential receivership of the parking system.

Why it matters: the agreements transfer operational control of the metered parking system and parking facilities arrangements described in earlier concession documents and extend terms of those agreements. Opponents warned the negotiated deal shifts costs onto taxpayers, while backers said the concessions (notably removing Saturday fees) balanced protecting downtown business activity with the city's need to stabilize the system and avoid a larger fiscal disruption.

Council and public reaction

Many residents and downtown business owners urged more transparency and local input before the council moved forward. Joan Hoduanas, a downtown resident, told the council she remained unconvinced city officials and the concession operator had "their crap together" and asked for more outreach: "I would like to see hard…