St. Joseph City Commissioners have heard from a group of downtown business owners opposed to the current paid parking program, and they’re asking for an immediate and official pause so commissioners and they can work the matter out.
Speaking at Monday’s commission meeting, Rick Hill of Kilwins read a letter on behalf of several businesses, including Perennial Accents, The Buck, Schu’s, Ryebelles, and G&M Variety. The group said it wants a motion, to be voted on by commissioners, to suspend the paid parking. Hill said something needs to be done to bring the temperature down after a messy rollout to paid parking.
“We’re shocked by the outcry of the community and the complete failure of this parking policy,” Hill said. “There has not been a more disastrous decision of such significance in this city in decades. The downtown and the community are now on a downward spiral.”
Hill said downtown businesses have seen a severe drop in customers, even after commissioners agreed last week to allow city residents to park for free in lots downtown.
“Since these concessions were made, we have collectively seen either no improvement in revenues or even further declines. And the weather was beautiful. Collectively, we have seen revenue decline since implementation of 38% versus last year, and that represents well over $1 million in lost revenue.”
Complaints range from people simply not being willing to pay to park to confusing pay stations to pedestrian safety crossing Main Street to get from free parking to paid parking.
The group didn’t get what it asked for because commissioners did not approve an official motion to suspend paid parking. Nevertheless, the paid parking is suspended while the ADA issues are resolved.
Hill said the business owners aren’t going away.
