We knew this was a money loser when the deal with Metropolitan Parking Solutions was first put together. It's nice to see the current administration put an end to it.
QuoteJacksonville will end private management of the downtown library’s parking garage, a change city officials expect will save at least $100,000 a year.
The city notified Metropolitan Parking Solutions on Monday it won’t renew a contract for the company to manage the 557-space garage, located across the street from the downtown library.
The city would take over management June 1. Jacksonville-based Metropolitan has managed the garage since 2004.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-04-02/story/jacksonville-expects-save-100000-ending-private-management-library#ixzz2PLDzBfhB
Btw, IMO the savings should go to downtown and not the general fund since the revenue is being generated by downtown users.
I read the article twice to make sure I understood but it sounds to me that they are going to make the old courthouse lot an"automated payment" type of deal. Oh well, so much for free parking. That will give people another incentive to stay the hell away from DT. If ever an area of DT didn't need parking fees it's there. Assuming they will charge at nights and on weekends as well. Someone please tell me I'm wrong on this.
We have an addiction to parking revenue it would seem.
There is way too much time, energy and money spent on this aspect of city govt IMHO.
Imagine Downtown without parking meters and if all city owned lots were free.
Might be worth a try, just sayin' (couldn't get any worse).
"Meet the the new boss, same as the old boss", Pete Townshend. ::)