KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The city of Kalamazoo is one step closer to ending free parking on the downtown mall.
It’s one of several changes to downtown parking that could be implemented after ordinance amendments were presented to city commissioners.
The changes would permit staff to put parking kiosks on the mall, sell permits to downtown residents that would allow them to park overnight on streets, extending meter hours into the evening and weekends. And to increase revenue for the parking system.
City planner Christina Anderson says downtown businesses support the changes, saying it will mean more turnover.
Local resident Kelly Doyle fears it will be just one more obstacle for shoppers.
Anderson says they plan an educational campaign to show drivers how to use the kiosks, and that if they don’t want to pay the $2 per hour fee, they can park free in a ramp.
If approved by the commission in two weeks, the changes will be phased in over the next few months.
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