Parking in downtown Ann Arbor could get more expensive starting Jan. 1
Downtown parking meter enforcement hours could be extended two hours later into the evening under a proposal by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.
In addition to making downtown visitors pay for parking until 8 p.m. starting Jan. 1, the DDA's staff is proposing meter rates be increased to $1.80 an hour in prime locations downtown. The cost of entering some downtown parking structures also could go up.
Downtown parking meters currently are enforced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Since the business life of downtown extends well past 6 p.m., the DDA's staff is recommending enforcement be extended to help increase parking turnover.
Executive Director Susan Pollay discussed the proposed changes during a meeting of the DDA's Bricks and Money Committee today.
She unveiled a plan to create a three-tiered pricing structure for parking meters in the area bound by State, Huron, First and William streets.
A customer pays to park on Main Street last year. Parking meter enforcement hours could be extended to 8 p.m. under a proposal by the DDA.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"Closer in, people pay more. Further out, people pay less," Pollay said, describing the proposal as a chance for the DDA to help activate the downtown.
She said it would encourage turnover of on-street parking spaces by getting downtown employees to move away from parking meters and into parking garages — freeing up on-street spaces for customers.
A hypothetical map shows on-street meter rates going up along parts of Main, Liberty, State, Washington, Ashely, Fourth, Maynard and William streets. Only in a handful of select spots on First, Fourth, Fifth and Division does the map show rates going down.
Parking meter rates currently are set at $1.20 an hour throughout downtown, but that ticks up to $1.40 starting Thursday under a previously scheduled rate increase.
Pollay said she wanted direction from the committee today before the DDA's staff gives a presentation on the proposed changes at a Nov. 14 City Council work session.
Under a new parking agreement with the city, the DDA now has unilateral authority to increase parking rates and enforcement hours. Pollay said she still wants to include the city in discussions before the DDA potentially moves forward with the pilot program Jan. 1.
The Main Street Area Association has had concerns about the changes since they were first talked about last year. Representatives of the association couldn't be reached for this story.
DDA board members offered praise for the plan today.
"I think you're definitely headed in the right direction," said Roger Hewitt, adding the DDA has been talking about graduated parking rates for years and it's time to put them in place. He suggested the DDA consider extending the boundaries east past State Street.
DDA board member Joan Lowenstein said in addition to signage, she's hoping the DDA can put stickers on parking meters notifying people of the changes. She also suggested parking receipts carry the message that enforcement is being extended until 8 p.m.
Pollay said it's the DDA's intention to communicate with downtown businesses and their employees well before the changes take effect.
In addition to the parking meter rate changes, the pilot program laid out by Pollay today includes the following changes:
- Increase Ann Ashley and Liberty Square evening and weekend entrance rates to $4 — up from $2 and $3 respectively. The rates haven't been raised in eight years.
- Increase First and William permits by $10 a month — from $105 to $115. The rate hasn't been raised in six years.
- Increase 415 W. Washington permits by $10 a month — from $80 to $90 — and increase the daily entrance rate from $3 to $4. The rate hasn't been raised in two years.
- Increase premium permit fees by $5 a month — from $175 to $180. The rate hasn't been raised in six years.
- Increase the Art Fair entrance rate by $2 — from $10 to $12 — and eliminate the $5 evening rate. The rate hasn't been raised in five years.
- Increase meter bag fees by $5 a day — from $15 to $20 — and charge a placement and removal fee for Sunday and holiday events that are currently free. The rate hasn't been raised in six years.
The DDA also released unaudited financial figures today for the fiscal year that ended June 30, showing its tax-increment financing revenue came in at $3.85 million, while it spent $4.6 million from the TIF fund — for a total deficit of $765,715.
The DDA's housing fund ran a $315,626 deficit, while its parking maintenance fund ran a $503,053 deficit. Meanwhile, parking revenues came in at $15.3 million, while expenses from the parking fund totaled $16.1 million — a deficit of $792,195.
About $8.6 million of the $16.1 million went toward direct parking expenses, while $6.1 million was for capital costs and bond payments.
DDA officials acknowledge they're purposely running deficit budgets right now in order to finance a $50 million underground parking structure project on Fifth Avenue, as well as related improvements along Fifth and Division. They say they're watching the balances closely and anticipate they'll build back up to healthier levels in the coming years.
The deficits ran the TIF fund balance down from about $6 million to $5.2 million, while the parking fund balance went from $879,876 to $87,681. Meanwhile, the housing fund balance is down to $1 million and the parking maintenance fund balance is down to $2 million.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
Ryan You really are showing your colors.
einy
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
If I'm already paying $648 to park why would I want to pay more? I've learned to use my blue permit and walk the extra block or two. Bring it on but I'm not paying paying more to park!
aquileyendo
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
I work at a restaurant in downtown getting paid minimum wage. My company recently decided to stop giving employees free buss passes. I live to far to bike. So I have to drive, pay for my own parking, and now that will be even more money. For someone who is just going out to dinner maybe 40cents more an hour is no big deal, but for someone who has to be downtown all day it sucks. And their whole plan is to discourage employee parking. Who do they expect to take all the jobs when no one is allowed to park in downtown? The students? Sure, they'll take some, but not all.Many start at the restaurant where I work, realize they dont like having a job as it detracts from their party time, and quit. And what about the summer when there arent any students? I think this is a ridiculous idea, but knowing A2 I can unfortunately see this lasting a while.
Jeremy Miller
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
Been working between Fourth and Fifth on Washington for 7+ years now. I think I have paid for parking less than a dozen times. There is this new invention out called walking and it is no secret that free parking is less than 2/3 a mile away from the center of downtown.
aes
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
More dreadful ideas from the DDA.
Dog Guy
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:37 a.m.
Yes indeed, $2/hr. bicycle parking is in the plan.
Andrew
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
From the perspective of a long-time Ann Arbor restaurant employee: this is brutal. Parking is my third highest living expense following only rent and food. Maybe if we tied in the GOpass to reduce rates or extend hours on public transportation it could offset some of these costs.
Tintin Milou
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:34 a.m.
Get a bike!
Tom Hollyer
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
No, I am not a DDA member. But I support this change, though it does not go far enough. It is simply rude to your fellow citizens to expect to be able to park on the street and spend 2 to 3 hours shopping or dining. If you are going to spend that amount of time downtown, park in a structure. There is never a time when you can't find a parking space within a few blocks of your destination in a structure. Street spaces should turn over, and turn over often. They should be for quick in-and-outs, carry-out pickups, short shopping excursions, etc. It is frankly ridiculous that someone can park on the street at 4pm and leave their vehicle for an entire evening downtown. Time limits at the meters should be reduced to 1 hour to increase turnover and increase availability for the short term parkers. At least the first hour in a structure should be free. And overall rates in the structures should be reduced to encourage their use over street spaces. There should be (and I believe there is) a program for reduced rates for downtown employees in the structures.
Richard C
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
The DDA ought to reconsider making frequent and complex changes to the parking fees. People are more likely to avoid downtown if they feel they can't anticipate how much parking is going to cost. Labeling the parking spots somehow - perhaps colors on the meter poles or something like that - would help relieve the uncertainty (and increase the cost of fiddling with the parking charge map - two good things at once!) As for the exact fees - I'm a long-time AA resident that lives 25 minutes walking distance away from downtown - and who has a day job. I'm not going to be affected by this because I know where the free parking is and I'm willing to schedule my trips and walk extra blocks to take advantage of it. I fear the Library Lot structure will be a massive failure. Have there been any fixed, acceptable plans for what's going on top of the DDA money pit?
PLGreen
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.
As one who does not live in Ann Arbor, by choice I might add; I think it is time that I tell my Dentist and Barber that I will be finding new Providers outside of Ann Arbor. Reason being; idealing issue, pedestrian issue and parking rates. Just don't want to test my luck.
Gardener1
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
How about this idea: Do not raise the rates but increase the enforcement to 9:00 pm. Make the meters one hour meters. Give the first hour free in all the parking structures. That way, someone going downtown to eat or shop for awhile might be more likely to park in the structure. The on street parking spaces can be used by people who are making short visits to the stores. Employees can buy the monthly pass or be given a 50% discount on parking in the structures with acknowledgement from the employer that the person was working during that time. If rates are increased, just increase the rates on street parking. Oh, I know the problem with this idea - it will not pay for the parking hole in the ground.
Betty
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
I find AA parking overpriced and hostile. I don't treat other people poorly and I don't have time for towns, bureaucrats and parking 'shake down' schemes-that treat me poorly. There is a poster of a collage of "no parking signs" with an ironic "Welcome to Ann Arbor". It's a funny poster, but it reflects an arrogant unwelcomeness to downtown that I find unpleasant and has repelled me to other places. For me, when possible I avoid downtown, and when I must go there I find free places to park in AA. I presume that sending away customers is not the intention but it is the outcome in my case. Raising the rates raises my resolve to go elsewhere. The restaurants in Dexter, Saline and Northville are lovely and the shops are charming. For example some downtown businesses open their lots in off hours. This is 'welcoming'. Most businesses do not open their lots even in non-business hours. This is unwelcoming. Revenue being down at the DDA should be the GOAL-not a crisis. AA would be a more welcoming, friendly town if the politician had that posture. Instead we have a 'gotcha' game by the revenue officers of the parking brigade shaking down the citizens to justify their department's existence. Make AA pleasant (I would come back)
aes
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
Yes, friendliness is key to bringing people downtown. Why don't the people in charge of parking issues understand that?
kms
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
you make some excellent points. I have lived in many towns in 4 states, 2 of them tourist towns out east and they had a much friendlier approach to customers, like opening lots after hours.
Sandra Samons
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.
Yup, Another well thought out plan for driving business away from downtown.
kathryn
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
Thinking about how I use downtown....having meters in effect in the evenings would likely discourage me from coming downtown. Ann Arbor's downtown is one of the more successful downtown areas around. Be careful not to kill the Golden Goose.
Carole
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.
Over the summer I visited two cities that do not have parking fees at all, and the downtown areas of both were booming. What is DDA trying to do -- close down the central business of Ann Arbor. Close down DDA and put that dollars back into the funding base for the essentials of Ann Arbor. Reduce the parking fees so that business owners can reap the benefits of folks visiting the great downtown area.
Jon Saalberg
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
"DDA officials acknowledge they're purposely running deficit budgets right now in order to finance a $50 million underground parking structure project on Fifth Avenue,.." That this city does not need. Oh when will this city emerge from the ravages of its obsession with building parking facilities.
Gorc
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:18 p.m.
Pay the $.40 and shut up.
Reverend Bubba X
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
DDA's plan will fail. Increasing the cost of parking near the businesses and extending the enforcable hours will drive customers and clients away. Some businesses likely will be forced to close. Others will move to outlying areas with ample free parking and lower taxes and zero DDA fees.
jns131
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.
Park and Ride here we come. O wait, I can go to Canton and get the same great stuff without paid parking. No wonder I avoid Ann Arbor.
jcj
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
I cannot help but notice that there is another who can rarely refrain from bringing the tea party into any and all discussions! As has been noted on another thread. Education does not necessarily mean intelligence. And the continued drone about the tea party in all matters just reinforces that premise. They remind me of the Jonestown syndrome.
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
BTW I am not a tea party member. I do have some of the same views just as I hold some of the same views as some liberals and some conservatives. The difference is I don't normally blame liberals for all of the worlds woe's! Or even all of this countries woe's.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
And, BTW, it wasn't just the president and the federal government who made a bad decision about Solyndra. Venture capitalists have invested nearly $1.1 billion that will be lost in the bankruptcy. Source: <a href="http://gigaom.com/cleantech/solyndra-could-be-the-biggest-vc-loss-in-history/" rel='nofollow'>http://gigaom.com/cleantech/solyndra-could-be-the-biggest-vc-loss-in-history/</a> So much for the teaparty myth that capitalists know what's best for the nation. But, for those of us who live in the real world, that comes as no surprise. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6 p.m.
1) I find the re-runs of "Fraiser" on the Hallmark Channel to be more intellectually stimulating than anything that runs on the so-called "news" channels. So much for your teaparty views of my world. 2) Yup. Presidents makes mistakes. Of course, it is fairly difficult for the current president to fix the 8 years' mess left to him with a substantial portion of Congress committed to doing nothing. 3) My leader? He's not the president of YOUR country, too? Tells us much. Good Night and Good Luck
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
Solar start-up Solyndra LLC, succumbing to pressure from lower-cost Chinese rivals, said it has suspended operations and plans to file for bankruptcy, 15 months after President Barack Obama visited a company factory that was to be expanded with the help of a federal loan guarantee of $355 million More of your leaders handiwork. Unfortunately we can't be dismissive when it comes to that Obama loan! Any worthy comment?
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
Murrow Keep listening to Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann and you WILL need help decerning the truth!
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
Murrow When you hit on the truth I will let you know!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.
The truth hurts, apparently. Good Night and Good Luck
julieswhimsies
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.
Weren't you aware that everything on A2.com is a partisan issue?
Ron Granger
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
"Downtown Death Authority"
jcj
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
And BTW He is my President. But not my leader.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
Oh. Wow! So IF you manage to find a parking space in A2, you will now be charged MORE for it. Lovely. My daughter and I drove around A2 for 45 minutes one day looking for a space. We finally found a parking garage with a bright neon light proclaiming there were 115 parking spots available. We drove through the entire structure, and there were NO spots available. After explaining this to the clueless attendant, we were still charged 50 cents for driving through the structure.
johnnya2
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
If any person stops going downtown over 40 cents an hour then they weren't likely to go downtown anyway. The goal is to stop those who want to park long term (employees) from taking up spaces of customers. Imagine we did away with parking fees altogether. There would NEVER be a place to park close to a Main Street restaurant. If you want to stay for 3 hours, park a little further away. If you plan to be there for 30 minutes, you will spend an extra TWENTY cents. Those who want the convenience of parking closer can do so, those that are willing to walk a bit further can save money. Those that do not want to pay can easily take a bus, cab or go to an area they think will be so much cheaper. For those thinking Chelsea or Saline. Lets say you have to drive 10 miles further each way. The current cost of running a car from the IRS is 51 cents. SO, are you willing to pay an extra $5.10 to save 40 cents an hour? If you are, then enjoy your time elsewhere. I will point out AGAIN, that Ann Arbor still has the lowest unemployment rate in all of Michigan and all but one city in the Great Lakes region. Amazing how such a poorly run city still is the best area in the region for economic activity, but everybody hates the city council and all they do.
Left is Right
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.
Another DDA member? I like your rationalization for raising fees: It's simple economics! No, it is not. For me, it significantly reduces perceived value, which is something far different. I'm much less likely to frequent an area where I feel my pocket is being picked at every turn. I don't think that this is different for many although it may be for you.
nixon41
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.
How stupid can you be? Keep raising the prices & nobody will come. You're only hurting yourselves !!!!!
MjC
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
Dear City Council - I'm still NOT going to use your unnecessary brand new underground parking structure.
kms
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
I will not be using that new structure either, partly in protest to it being built but mostly because I can't stand slowly spiraling up and down the ramps in parking garages ...it just drives me crazy and maybe I'm a little claustrophobic.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.
The truth hurts, apparently. Good Night and Good Luck
Ross
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
AGREED! Perhaps we should start a ban on parking in the new lot. Such an intense and thoughtless waste of our money.
drewk
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10 p.m.
And of course the parking structures are maxed out, right. NOT Next, the DDA will start making meters 1 hour parking only. That ought to make people eat and shop elsewhere.
Goofus
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
Extending meters to 8pm will kill spillover browsing & windowshopping customers from Main street shops. Once people rush through dinner, they will rush back to get in their cars. I predict dinner traffic from 6pm to 8 will drop dramatically as less people come down..and less people hang out... for the busy early evening happy hours and dinners. The meters are only really in high demand on Thurs, Fri, and Saturday. The rest of the week. This plan is obvious in its intent to funnel people into the expensive and under-used parking garage rip-offs.
Gordon
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Hmmm, thanks to A2 DDA Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Clawsen are looking like great spots to visit. Rocheser should be more a value with the new DDA A2 proposals. For a closer venue how about Plymouth? I'm surethose commuities appreciate A2's thoughtfullness.
tim
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Pretty soon it will be 10 cense a minute----- A2 already has a parking problem downtown, I don't even bother to eat downtown on the weekend or when the students are back. Sure would be nice if all those great restaurants would move out to Westgate.
kms
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
I was recently in Indianapolis for about 4 days and found the parking rates very reasonable, cheaper than Ann Arbor! Closer to home, Dearborn has very reasonable rates....I paid about $2.00 which was long enough to walk around a bit and eat dinner. I think Ann Arbor is making a mistake. I have friends who refuse to meet me downtown for dinner because they don't want to pay for parking. I will still pay when dining out, but may think twice about going downtown to shop....probably will go to the mall more.
Left is Right
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
Expensive, and by and large, mediocre.
nixon41
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
Not much left to shop in downtown. It's all restaurants!!!! They are expensive too.
vicki honeyman
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
".....describing the proposal as a chance for the DDA to help activate the downtown." How will discouraging people to park downtown by making Ann Arbor parking even more expensive "activate" downtown? This proposal will be fuel to feed into Ann Arbor's existing lousy reputation regarding parking meter/garage fees, parking ticket fees, and congested streets (that are desperately in need of pot-hole repair). One of my store customer's pet peeves is the price of parking in Ann Arbor...and the price they pay if they are ticketed. 9 out of 10 feel rushed to shop because they are so worried about their parking meter! When is the DDA going to be PRO BUSINESS? When is the DDA going to HELP small businesses in this community, rather than make decisions that will ultimately hurt downtown retail?
Betty
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
Me too 100x
Left is Right
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
If I could easily vote this up 100x, I would.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Of course the DDA board members like the work of their own staff -- that is a given. The test is what this does to downtown businesses. I am not optimistic that these changes will help grow business downtown.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
I cannot help but notice that, with a couple of notable examples, posters who complain vociferously and frequently about public sector workers stealing taxpayer money are noticeably absent from any discussion about how the DDA spends its money. Apparently, in Teapartyland, using public money to pay people a decent wage and insure they have decent healthcare is a bad thing. Ponying up millions of taxpayer dollars to the business parasites of A2 every year? Not so much. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
Should had read "notable exceptions" Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
More taxpayer money for the DDA to squander. Take a look at the DDA budget. Parking fees now bring in nearly $9 million more than the expenses of running the lots. Source: <a href="http://www.a2dda.org/downloads/AboutUS/DDABudget_2010_11.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.a2dda.org/downloads/AboutUS/DDABudget_2010_11.pdf</a> What could POSSIBLY be the justification for raising parking fees further other than to give the DDA more money to squander on pet projects. If downtown businesses want to pool their money for these projects, great. Time for 'em to quit feeding at the taxpayer's trough. Time to disband the unelected and unaccountable DDA. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
I find the teaparty offensive, and Mr. Murrow certainly would have railed against it just as he railed against Joe McCarthy, southern segregationists, and anti-intellectual conservatives. Indeed, the teaparty and they have much in common. Good Night and Good Luck
Tom Hollyer
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:54 a.m.
Use your real name and someone might take you seriously and actually respond to your posts. I have read hundreds of your posts, and your abuse of the legacy and sensibility of Edward R. Murrow is offensive.
Bill
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
You might want to start with disbanning the elected City Council.
LiberalNIMBY
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
Observations: People who appreciate urban vitality don't complain about parking rates. People who hate busy downtowns or feel put out by spending an extra 5% of their dining tab on parking will continue eating at Applebees in the strip mall. I don't see the controversy.
Left is Right
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
Member of the current DDA, perhaps? It takes a single counterexample to disprove your sweeping generalization: I appreciate urban vitality (my friends and I certainly helped develop the current downtown over the past 30+ years), and yet I complain both about increasing parking rates and enforcement practices. And I walk most of the time. The DDA is certainly free to attempt to suck more money from downtown visitors (building entrance fees is a nice example--give that a try) but keep this in mind: there are many fine urban centers (or mini-urban since that's what we're really talking about) nearby that are ripe for development. We can easily turn our attention elsewhere. The value proposition that made downtown Ann Arbor attractive in the past has not changed. The value, however, has.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.
Nonsense. Pure and utter nonsense. The DDA will see a $9 million surplus in its parking operations (see link to DDA budget in my post below). How does raising parking rates even more further a vibrant downtown? Are you saying that businesses in the downtown are unable to make it on their own without feeding at the taxpayers' trough to the tune of nearly $16 million per year? Good Night and Good Luck
a2scio
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
LiberalNIMBY you are a SNOB. You assume that only people who are well off can enjoy urban vitality! I could say more, but I choose not to.
iamwrite
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
"People who appreciate urban vitality don't complain about parking rates." As a self described "LiberalNIMBY", you have an interesting stance on this. Please share how urban vitality will improve with a parking rate change versus what is already in place at the moment. Ann Arbor already has a pleasant urban downtown. The rate increase is a money grab to pay for projects that have no oversight from a DDA that is appointed and not elected by the people of Ann Arbor. The DDA admits to running a deficit, this is the same problem that Washington has. Please just kick the can further down the road!
a2scio
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
As a student and volunteer at several downtown venues (The Ark, Michigan Theater, & UMS), often several times a week. I won't be able to continue to do so if the parking enforcement hours are increased to 8 pm or later. The proposed changes will make parking cost more than I can afford to pay. For my own safety, I don't park in structures and will NOT use the hole in the ground garage even if it were free to park there.
kms
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
and also, I didn't return to volunteer at Top of the Park...again because of the expense of parking.
kms
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
I have been deterred from volunteering at 826 Michigan, a worthy organization, because I don't want to pay for parking.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
This doesn't have anything to do with a vital downtown. The DDA currently projects a $9 million surplus from its parking operations. Why, then, do parking rates need to go up even more? Good Night and Good Luck
iamwrite
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Yes, this! Also, I am afraid to park downtown because the big, bad, mean and scary DDA only has THEIR self-interest involved in this. Increasing rates of parking will not improve Ann Arbor.
Fredric
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:12 p.m.
From this article it looks like the DDA does not want the public to shop in down town Ann Arbor. Do they really have to question why people shop at the malls!! While many towns in the country are moving to free parking in the downtown business areas, Ann Arbor is increasing them. Why?
iamwrite
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Boohoo, the DDA did not get enough money from the Art Fair this year - raise the rates Boohoo, the DDA wants an underground parking structure to make more money - raise the rates Boohoo, the DDA wants to ensure higher turnover of parking spots - raise the rates I think more people will take the bus and walk to/from non-money grab parking spots, and will continue to lower the DDA's revenue even further. Look at the Art Fair...people attending the Art Fair know that parking in A2 is a nuisance so they chose alternative methods. If this is not proof that raising rates will not work, then they need to go back to school. How many members of the DDA board have an economics background? Oh yeah, they probably hire consultants to do that.
aes
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
A whole line of parking meters and a solar pay station were recently put in on South First Street near William. They stand empty all day long (except during evenings and Sunday when they are free)
1bit
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Okay, I'm sold. Enough with the DDA. Enough with any councilmember (or Mayor) who would abdicate the City's right to set parking rates and enforcement to an unelected and unaccountable committee. Who is running the City anyway?
bunnyabbot
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
you would think if they extended the enforcement hours they should extend the hours that the service desk is open to pay your parking tickets, have the time the stamp machine at the police station isn't even plugged in so the clock won't stamp your envelope. furthermore the DDA is a joke. Parking revenue should be non profit. Backroom deals between the DDA and CC where money is slid across the table should end. Otherwise privatise the parking structures and let the market decide the rates.
Charles Weaver
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
At some point people are going to stop patronizing downtown businesses. There is elasticity in the demand.
BigMike
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
Okay, now come on, enough is enough. It's clear the DDA is going to keep raising fees every time there's a chance to do it. This is what you get when you vote for City officials who allow an unaccountable body to exist to do what they should be doing. I'm going to be looking for every possible avenue to avoid paying $ that go to the DDA from now on.
cook1888
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Chelsea, Michigan = lovely drive from AA by back roads, nice shops, great restaurants, great theatre = free parking all day long.
cook1888
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.
I agree with your replies. I have not been to Saline in a while, but have been to Dexter and Ypsilanti. Dexter has a great farmer's market, A & W and the feed mill. All fun places. Had breakfast at Beezy's and dinner at Haab's this summer. Both excellent and lots of interesting small businesses in the surrounding area. No hassles parking in either community. I have been a loyal downtown AA shopper for years, but I'm tired of the money grubbing city.
Left is Right
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:20 a.m.
Throw in HYpsi. It's got a great community that's helping to develop Depot Town.
Fredric
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
Throw in Dexter and possibly Saline, even Manchester. !!
mr_annarbor
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
The next candidate for City Council that wants to abolish the DDA will get my vote. I honestly don't see the use of the use of this body except to waste money.
brimble
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:35 p.m.
Why do we have a D.D.A.? What does it do for the community? Why couldn't its functions be accomplished by the City government?
Haggis_Chihuahua
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.
Sure, go ahead and jack up the parking rates and enforcement times. How else are you going to be able to afford the nifty art work you'll probably be placing alongside each meter.
leezee
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
My love/hate relationship with this town is more on the hate side right now.
Alum
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:23 p.m.
DDA has too much power. Each initiative gets more and more scary.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
If the DDA hadn't wasted $50 million on the Big Dig they'd have plenty of money, which could have been used to support the general fund (as has been done in the past). More foot patrol police and fire fighters including an in service staffed ladder truck are needed in the DDA area. The DDA could have paid for the safety workers the city fired recently, to keep the downtown safer. As a downtown resident, I've talked to a lot of workers and managers of businesses downtown and haven't found anyone who thought that expanding enforcement hours to 8pm was a good idea. In fact last year several hundred of them signed a petition to city council against it. When the city council signed a deal recently to hand over all power to set parking rates and hours, they knew that this was going to happen since the DDA has been advocating for these changes.
Goober
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.
Stephen We have to remember that city council, our mayor and DDA do not listen to the citizens of Ann Arbor. They do what they want to do.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
that and the dda has nobody to be held accounted to!
mike wilson
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
The DDA is as business friendly as the parking meters are user friendly !
Ignatz
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
I'm tickled by some of the "business-will-be-destroyed" comments. I don't like going downtown because it's so packed with people and cars.
Andy
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.
@ChrisW I know!! it's like, Ann Arbor a city. This is what a city is like. If you don't like cities, don't go to them. They're fairly easy to avoid.
ChrisW
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
That's like the old Yogi Berra line, "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
xmo
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
Thanks to the ANTI-Business City Council, who appoints the members of the DDA that are trying to kill business in Downtown Ann Arbor. Business owners please remember these people when you vote in November! Business is already hurting and now you tell the customers that its going to cost them more to shop Downtown?
Xraymoo
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
Between the potential of getting a ticket for not yielding to a pedestrian that is "approaching" a cross walk and the increase of meter enforcement I may end up bypassing the Ann Arbor downtown area all together. In my opinion I would much rather find a resteraunt that has plenty of free parking out front in a surrounding community than worry about whether or not I have enough change for a parking meter.
Matt Darby
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.
Why not increase parking violation fines? As someone who gets a monthly parking ticket or two, I understand that I'm breaking the rules and therefore get a ticket. Increase those fines to eliminate parking abusers and increase revenue. I'm OK with increasing the meter rates, but PLEASE do not increase the time of meter enforcement!
Andy
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
By way of comparison, Birmingham & Royal Oak both enforce meters til 9pm Monday - Saturday; Ferndale's run til 10pm. Their downtowns are all doing pretty well. Folks might want to get out in the world before predicting doom.
Andy
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
@Bill -- OK, I can't compare Ann Arbor to RO/Birmingham/Ferndale because they are suburbs of a larger metro area. OK, I can't compare Ann Arbor to Seattle or Chicago because they are bigger. But it is OK to compare it the other (unnamed) cities which offer free parking?
Andy
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
@vicki you see the same empty storefronts in Arborland, which has ample free parking. Yup, I'm sure the empty storefronts have NOTHING to do with the recession... it's all because they charge for parking.
vicki honeyman
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
where do you get the idea that birmingham and royal oak downtowns are doing "pretty well"? have you noticed the increased empty storefronts over the last 5 years in both those cities? they are NOT doing well!
Bill
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.
@Andy you can hardly compare Seattle and Chicago to Ann Arbor. I've been to communities larger than Ann Arbor that are trying to build their downtown areas and offer FREE parking in city lots. For some reason in Ann Arbor, we have an unnecessary organzation. DDA, that appears to run free without regard to the cities. It might as well be called "City Council II" for it's desire to raise rates and waste money.
Andy
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
Fine, we've established there are differences in rates & enforcement hours between municipalities. Seattle charges $2.50/hour for the top. Parking in Chicago's Loop was $4.25/hour as of last year. I don't think I've ever had to pay for parking in Ypsilanti, & we all know how much better their downtown is doing than Ann Arbor's. Read the article: 'Meters that consistently have monthly earnings in the top one-third of all meters in the system would be increased to $1.80 an hour, Pollay said. Meanwhile, those meters in the middle would stay at $1.40, and those at the bottom would be reduced to $1. "Closer in, people pay more. Further out, people pay less," Pollay said, describing the proposal as a chance for the DDA to help activate the downtown.' The ones they are raising prices on are the ones with the most demand; if somebody isn't willing to pay the extra 40 cents an hour (again, this is metered, not long term parking), why can't they park in the middle range meters and (God forbid) walk an extra block or 2? Also, note the rates would actually DECREASE at the lowest demand meters. Nobody seems to be commenting on that. Lastly, the proposed change makes no difference at all to the thousands of people who already choose to walk, bike, or take the bus downtown.
Chip Reed
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Ferndale are all part of a larger area than Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. It is a rather different situation.
BobbyJohn
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:18 p.m.
I just parked on Main Street in Royal Oak. The cost was 50 cents an hour . Yes, ~ 1/3 of Ann Arbor's rate. That is the comparison to be made.
A2JD
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
Birmingham doesn't charge at all for the first two hours of parking in their structures. That makes a lot more sense to me if we're trying to continue attracting people to stores and restaurants downtown. Combine the parking increases with a city income tax, and you have the perfect recipe for encouraging all non-University businesses to leave the city.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.
This is wonderful news for everyone who runs a business on the outskirts of town. Maybe the city can complete the job by requiring people to wait in line to enter a store or restaurant while their credit cards are swiped for a building entrance fee.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
"DDA officials acknowledge they're purposely running deficit budgets right now in order to finance a $50 million underground parking structure project on Fifth Avenue, as well as related improvements along Fifth and Division." Looks like the Mayor's puppets on the DDA are doing just what he's told them to do. How much does the head of the DDA make again in salary?
Ryan J. Stanton
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
City employee salaries: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/top-25-highest-paid-nonunion-employees-in-ann-arbor-city-government/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/top-25-highest-paid-nonunion-employees-in-ann-arbor-city-government/</a>
golfer
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
come on stop you know what to us. first idle fine. now increase in parking. how about reducing all your salaries, perks and benfits. seems like you are in washington working for the government. take, take and more take. enough is enough