Walton Row at Pershing
A couple of weeks ago Don Bailey, proprietor of Evangeline's Bistro and Music House, 512 N. Euclid, reported that he had received two parking tickets, both issued after after 9 p.m.! When he called City Hall to ask why (meter hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) he was told to schedule a hearing. Instead of taking time away from his business, Don paid the fines. What's going on here?
The clue may lie in a study on ways to increase parking revenue prepared by a national parking consultant,
Desman Associates, at the request of City Treasurer Tishaura Jones. The proposals are to be considered at a meeting of the Parking Commission this Thursday, November 13. For your information,
meetings of the City of St. Louis Parking Commission are open to the general public and held the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Treasurer's Office Conference Room, 133 S. 11th Street Ste. 300, St. Louis, MO 63102. Call 314-622-4700 for more information.
I was not able to find information on who sits on the Parking Commission from searching the City Treasurer's website. Interestingly, I have learned that the Board of Aldermen has no vote on most of the proposals contained in Desmon Associates' study, which is discouraging to say the least.
Below you'll find proposals that involve the CWE, including a map of the neighborhood which can be found
on page 23 of the report. It's no suprise that the Central West End is being targeted for additional parking meters, since it was labeled in the study as the most lucrative area in the city.
The study proposes to add meters on Walton Row from Pershing Place to McPherson see photo at top of post, (traditionally, meters have been installed adjacent to commercial uses, not residential), the 49xx block of Washington (both sides), 45xx-47xx Washington (both sides), the east curb line of Kingshighway in front of the Chase (where parking is currently not permitted), and the east & west curb lines of Kingshighway just south of Lindell.
The study proposes to leave meters on the 2xx block of N Taylor (Taylor Park).
As proposed, meter vioilations will be enforced until 10 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. There is a recommendation to increase rates in high demand areas to $2.00 per hour (currently $.75 in the CWE) after twelve months. Parking violation fines would increase to $30, up from $10; and fines for "habitual" offenders will go up to attempt to "modify behavior."
The study includes a review of city-owned parking facilities such as the Argyle Garage at Euclid and Lindell, which is reported to be only 50% full. Strangely, the OPUS Project, proposed for Lindell and Euclid, was not able to arrange for spots for commercial tenants planned for the street level of the new structure.
Though it has been explained to me several times, I cannot grasp why revenues collected by the City Treasurer's Office don't go into General Revenue fund for the City of St. Louis, but instead are retained by the City Treasurer. That would be an interesting topic for another post, or even better for investigative reporters with more experience, from the
STL Beacon for instance.
If you'd like to see the Parking Commission in action, plan to attend the meeting Thursday morning at 10 a.m., details are highlighted above.
Please weigh in with your thoughts about this whole parking situation, I'd love to hear from you.
I could understand this if revenues, like the CID, went directly to the area for additional security, beautification, additional parking for residents or people who work in the area, sidewalk or street repair even further local transportation. The fact that we have no idea where this money goes is worrying and further reason why people get so fed up living in the city! Where are the checks and balances? Where is our alderwoman?
Having lived on this block for 11 years & finding parking now almost impossible due to the staffs of Pi, Gringos, the tea room and other establishments parking in front, this would give us no choice but to get residential parking only permits.
We have tried working with the business owners, but their staff continually changes and they don’t seem to really care.