The Sarasota City Commission approves extending paid parking to 24/7 and increasing citation fines to make the Parking Division solvent and fund future capital needs.  As an enterprise fund, the Parking Division, under the direction of General Manager Broxton Harvey, intends to cover its own expenses with revenues generated. During their March 23 meeting, however, city commissioners were warned, unless changes are made, of upcoming annual deficits approaching and exceeding $2 million. Opting not to increase hourly rates and monthly parking permit fees, the City Commission unanimously voted to extend hours of paid parking in city-owned spaces and to increase fines for citations, which are projected to generate more than $2.7 million in additional revenue.  The additional revenue will find capital expenses including elevator replacements at the State Street and Palm Ave garages, license plate recognition equipment, meter replacements, garage signage and contactless meter payments.  Commissioners rejected increases in monthly employee parking permit fees and hourly rates. Click here to read more.

The Rosemary District Association held a community meeting with Broxton Harvey, GM Parking along with business leaders from the neighborhood.  The purpose was to discuss issues and solutions affecting parking in the district.  All agree that there are not enough spaces available and a garage is needed.  Concerns included rapid expansion of business, business growth limitations, employee parking, customer parking, construction vehicles not being cited, limits on parking permits and more.  The city listened intently and agreed to enforce violations, improve the permit process and indicated the city parking study indicates 216 additional spaces are needed in the district.  The staff also discussed how to fund a parking garage.  One idea being considered by the Commissioners is building a garage on top of a proposed new affordable residential building at the McCown Center.