No free parking for downtown visitors

Committee calls proposal too costly

By Jonathan Babalola
Diversity Institute Fellow

03.14.06

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The Traffic and Parking Commission denied a proposal Monday that would have provided up to 30 minutes of free parking to residents visiting downtown government buildings.

The resolution would have permitted the free parking on city streets and in paid parking lots and garages.

But a review done by the Metro Finance Department and the Nashville Downtown Partnership showed that the city would have lost more than $520,000 annually if the plan was approved.

"Any revenue that has to be made up due to shortages has a direct impact on future Metro government-funded projects," Bob Lackey, spokesman for the Metro Finance Department, said.

Councilman Harold White said he initially supported the idea when it was proposed in April 2002. However, he changed his mind once he learned the plan could create a shortfall that would affect other offices.

"I wouldn't have voted for this if I knew it would be a half-million dollar revenue loss," White said.

Commission member Pat Austin said there should be some sort of concession made for free parking downtown.

"I would like to make a plea for someone to plan some free parking for our citizens," Austin said.

Austin acknowledged the potential revenue loss but said other cities such as Franklin and Murfreesboro had found ways to offer some free parking to residents and so should Nashville.

"Metro plans to have a new parking garage someday," Austin said. "Maybe we can work out some free parking in that one."

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