Downtown businesses say valet, parking plan would hurt customers, workers
As the master of ceremonies sang in Cabaret, money makes the world go around. And so it goes with Delray Beach’s parking rates as the city tries to generate revenue at the expense of visitors, residents and workers.
Delray Beach is moving forward with adjustments to its downtown parking plan, starting with an increase in some metered parking rates off East Atlantic Avenue. Residents, though, can have a say as a larger proposal will be on the agenda for the Aug. 19 City Commission meeting.
As a follow-up to discussions from the July 15 commission meeting, City Manager Terrence Moore and Director of Public Works Missie Barletto have announced a rate increase — from $2 to $3 an hour — for metered on-street spaces on the side streets a block north and south of Atlantic Avenue. That is projected to generate an additional $150,000 in annual revenue for the city.
The City Commission will also consider changes to parking garage rates at its Aug. 19 meeting. This includes the possibility of implementing a 24/7 charge for parking of $1.50 an hour in all three downtown garages. If approved, this new rate structure could bring in an additional $450,000 annually for the city.
In addition to the garage rate discussions, the Aug. 19 meeting will address a proposed $15 monthly employee parking pass and further evaluate the feasibility of metering various surface lots in the downtown area.
— John Pacenti
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