Lodi Considers Higher Rates, Multiple Tickets To Fix Parking Problem
LODI (CBS13) — Parking in Lodi has become increasingly difficult as Main Street becomes popular with visitors who come for wine tasting and shopping.
The city has developed a plan that could include a parking fee hike.
"They're going to drive people away downtown," said Lodi Tasting Room manager Judy Baumbach. "If you're a visitor and you get a $45 ticket, it's not going to be the first place on your list you're going to want to come back to."
At issue are prime spots in front of businesses. Visitors struggle to find parking to shop. Meanwhile, the city claims locals and business employees park long term in those spots when there are alternatives for them.
With a growing tourist industry and increasing complaints, the city council is considering raising rates, like moving parking permit fees from $5 a month to $18. Another would allow multiple tickets to be issued for parking too long.
City Councilman Bob Johnson says the city has found that while it's mostly shop employees taking the prime parking spots, and it's because many are concerned about safety in the city garage.
"A lot of people get their cars broken into there so they don't want to park there again," he said.
The city says it's looking at hiring a full-time security guard and hopes to come up with a plan to keep both businesses happy and tourists coming back.
The City Council will take up the issue at Wednesday's meeting.