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Delray Beach to consider charging for public parking

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — To meter or not to meter. That will be the question facing Delray Beach city commissioners when they convene Tuesday for a workshop meeting.

The meters in question would be placed on public parking in Delray’s downtown — along Atlantic Avenue and side streets, in parking lots and the two parking garages. Delray already has meters east of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Meters would generate revenue for the city and also help free up premium spaces, especially along Atlantic. But detractors say charging for parking could hurt Delray’s thriving downtown by deterring patrons.

Commissioners can’t take formal action Tuesday because of the format of the meeting, but it can signal strongly the direction it intends to take.

As outlined in a memo from City Manager David Harden to commissioners, the plan the city is considering includes:

— Parking fees required 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days per week.
— The first hour would be free during day until 5 p.m., when regular rates would kick in.
— The rate on Atlantic Avenue would be $2 per hour, with a two-hour limit.
— The rate would drop to $1.50 an hour one block north and south of Atlantic, with the two-hour maximum.
— Parking lots would charge a buck an hour with a four-hour maximum. Lots nearer the Intracoastal Waterway would have extended times.
— The municipal garages would charge 50 cents an hour, possibly free during the day until 4 or 5 p.m.