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After heavy public opposition, Tucson council delays a citywide Park Tucson rate and hours change
Summary
Following a large public hearing in which downtown residents, workers and merchants urged the council to reject extended meter hours and fee increases, the council voted 7–0 to continue the Park Tucson item for up to three months to allow further outreach and analysis.
Residents, downtown merchants and workers packed the Council Chambers on Jan. 21 to oppose proposed Park Tucson changes that would extend meter enforcement hours in parts of downtown and raise garage, permit and meter rates.
Public commenters — including downtown merchants, theatre staff, students and residents — said recent rate increases have already had a negative effect on downtown business, and argued that extending meter enforcement through later evening hours and raising monthly garage permit rates would further deter visitors and harm workers who rely on affordable parking. Several speakers said the current employee parking stipend ($25 per month) has not been adjusted since 2001 and is insufficient to offset proposed increases.
City staff described the proposal as part of the "Heart of Tucson"…
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