A decision by the Santa Ana City Council to raise parking rates is expected to provide funding for increased security and public restroom renovations.
The vote on August 4 to raise parking rates downtown was divided 5-1. The increase is the first in over a decade and will include both meters and public garages.
Parking meter rates have remained the same since 2003 and the cost of garage parking has not seen a rise in more than two decades. Current parking costs range from $1 to $0.75 an hour; once the planned improvements are made, the rates are expected to increase up to $1.50 per hour.
Local businesses may choose to respond with specials to soften the blow of the increased cost of parking, at least until the shock wears off. A flyer printing service used immediately prior to the increase will help encourage customers to continue their patronage.
Along with security features like LED lighting and cameras, the extra money raised through parking will permit the addition of four police officers to patrol the downtown area.
The one dissenting vote belong to Michele Martinez. She said other improvements such as electric car charging stations, designated Uber and Lyft customer drop-off areas, and a bike-sharing program should have been included.
Despite the increased parking fees, parking citation will not be increased and in fact has been lowered from $56 to $40.
