Lang
7/13/24
A longtime downtown Iowa City business has started an online petition in response to a recent hike in parking fees.
The official Facebook account of Catherine’s on South Dubuque Street recently posted a call for the Iowa City City Council to rescind the recent increase in parking meter fees from $1.50 to $3 an hour and ramp fees from $1 to $2 an hour. The Catherine’s account notes the move was made with no public input or discussion, and the increase was higher than the one suggested by city staff.
The women’s clothing store’s post argues that while it was noble for the city to make its transit buses free for all riders as of last year, doubling the rate for parking meters and ramps to help offset the costs hurts businesses that depend on daytime shoppers.
The Catherine’s account notes the new parking rates are the highest in Iowa, and are comparable to the parking rates in Chicago. It suggests alternative funding efforts, such as lengthening meter enforcement or removing the first free parking ticket.
Businesses along Dubuque Street between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street are already facing hardship with the recent closing of street traffic on the block for construction.
A link to the Change.org petition can be found here: Petition · Reduce Downtown Iowa City Parking Rates Back to Staff Recommendations – Iowa City, United States · Change.org