WPB Parking Rates
Posted by Sandy on March 24, 2022 · Leave a Comment
Updated 3/24/2022@ 12:35 p.m
I received a number of phone calls and emails regarding March 21, 2020 City Commission meeting and the topic was item # 8.4 “Resolution No. 88-22 amending existing parking rates and hours of operation for the City Parking System.”
Many downtown residents and businesses are upset over the parking rate increases and they have good reason to be because they were deprived of their right to address their elected officials and express their concerns for the rate hike and the effect it would have on their pocketbooks and businesses.
I placed a PRR with the City Clerk. My comments in Italic, when you see the map where parking prices increase, double click to enlarge.
PRR Mon, Mar 21, 2022 5:52 pm “On the agenda for the City Commission meeting 3/21/2022 item # 8.4 concerns changes to the city parking fee. No explanation of what the changes are. Please send me the documentation explaining what the changes are.”
City Response: Tue, Mar 22, 2022 10:19 am “I will provide the resolution approving the fees once signed by the Mayor.” Cancel the request, I have the needed information.
PRR Tue, Mar 22, 2022 10:19 am “One more request for the agenda for the City Commission meeting 3/21/2022 item # 8.4 concerns changes to the city parking fee. I did not notice this item on the Draft agenda. Please tell me the date and time it was added to the 3/21/2022 City Commission meeting.”
City Response: “This item was approved to be added to the final agenda at agenda review on March 17th, and was published with the final agenda on Friday, March 18th.”
Here lies the problem. It was added to the agenda on 3/17/2022 (Thursday) and put on the final agenda 3/18/2022(Friday) Saturday and Sunday City Hall closed.
At one time (before James & Johnson) emails were sent to residents who registered with the city to receive notice of upcoming meetings. Now residents must check the City’s website.
WPB Watch published a story and predicted problems with the way the City conducted business. Thanks to city leaders for proving me right—–again.
Posted on City Website:
“If you wish to give public comment, please attend the meeting or fill out and submit the public comment form below before the deadline specified:”
“DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.”
A resident found the addition of # 8.4 after 2:00 p.m. so to late for residents to offer an opinion. So when you are told “we want to hear from you'” understand they mean developers, and everyone who can contribute to keep them in office. They knew this would not be popular with residents and businesses and holding it to the last minute insured approval from City Commissioners, with no complaints from residents
Here is a short list of the changes made to the parking rates, and readers can read all the changes below which include ALL CITY PARKING GARAGES including City Center, Banyan Street Garage, Clematis Street Garage, Evernia Street Garage and Sapodilla Garage.
Want to park on Clematis St. Parking meters went from $1.25 to $2.50/ hr; and parking is limited to 2 hours.
Sunday parking in a City Garage was free, now it will cost you $5.00, along with Saturday & Holiday’s.
Once upon a time the city gave you the first hour of garage parking for free, just enough time to run in and pay your water bill, or check out a book from the library. No More!
“$1.00 First two Hours $2.00 Each Additional ½ hour after the 1st Two Hours” Wording it that way instead of sticker shock of $4.00/hr. with the maximum charge of $20.00 doubling the price from $10.00.
People who work in downtown depend on the parking garage and this increase hurts them the most.
GARAGE PARKING PERMITS
Monthly $100.00 plus tax
Residential $ 80.00 plus tax Tax really?
ZONE A,B & C
Daily Meter Rental Fee $25.00
Monthly Meter Rental Fee $400.00
Downtown Residential rate and Hospitality Worker (People who work in restaurants or hotels who depend on tips to help pay their parking charges will be hurt the most.)
Over stay your welcome look at the City fines!
City’s new parking rates:
The end!