I know that within the parking industry, paid parking is not seen as a factor that inhibits growth or business in retail areas, but the average parker strongly disagrees. In Dearborn, Michigan, city leaders are creating a parking plan that respects both perspectives. According to pressandguide.com, Dearborn is removing most of its meters and making public parking free.
“This is a very positive step that will help us achieve our goal of promoting more investment and activity in the west downtown. To get the best results for our local economy, we need to be realistic and remove anything that is perceived as an impediment to re-creating a robust and vibrant business district,” Mayor Jack O’Reilly said.
However, some of the meters will remain in place:
About 40 meters along Mason, Howard, and West Village Drive will remain after March 24 to encourage customer turnover. City officials said that is because these spots are among the most convenient parking spaces to nearby businesses.
So, even though the city has caved to the demands of the free-parking obsessed population, it’s giving a nod to all the experts and their research that say paid parking is best because it encourages turnover and provides brings in revenue.
I call that the best of both worlds.
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