Noticed this guy along West Ponce yesterday across from Taqueria.
They’re relatively new right?
Or perhaps this is just evidence that I’m oblivious to the world around me.
26 thoughts on “City Installs Single Space, Credit Card-Friendly Parking Meters”
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Just used one today beside Pinewood–first time I’d noticed one too. So much easier than the new system on the other meters (where you have to identify your space, input license plate, input credit card or cash, etc. I know there is an app, but I don’t like to pay service fees on top of the parking fees). The bonus–there was some time remaining–and we could use it, like in the good old days.
fantastic location, but the font’s all wrong, the color’s a bit drab, and at that height i’m expecting to have to bend at the waist when using. you’re better than that, Decatur.
They are great for kids, too, but you have to provide your own rope…
and no sippy cup holder? well, that’s just insensitive.
At least Decatur has its wiseacre quotient covered.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Wallet, or do I have to wait for CurrentC?
Every one is so eager to feed the meter? Wait, should Decatur keep skimming fees from potential shoppers? Or would it be a good idea to welcome these spenders of money? Interesting choice? Make from money from sales tax and increased real estate values or attempt to lighten the wallet of EVERY visitor to our fair city?
There is no such thing as free parking. The only variables are what level of demand exists and who pays. Decatur has set policy and courted entrepreneurial investment to create a place people are attracted to. There’s no reason in such cases for retailers, or anyone else, to subsidize parking. People *want* to be here, and they/we should pay for value received.
Decatur’s parking program is not designed to make money (though, after enforcement and related costs, it does tend to end up very modestly in the black). It is designed to ensure turnover, which is how you best serve retail businesses.
So what you are saying is the city wants the fees AND the increased sales tax and increased real estate value? The statement that merchants would have to subsidize parking is a false choice. Today, they are paying the increased taxes, real estate and collection sales taxes and the city gets the fees. I suspect that the cost of the meters enters into the analysis that the system is modestly in the black? It would be interesting to see what that would mean with a lower tech approach?
If you know, what is the cost of a parking ticket? And what was it prior to the metering system. Seems to me that the seller of the metering system is the party making money?? Decatur almost breaks even and shoppers are paying plenty! Maybe cutting them out and using a low tech approach would be better? Of course I do not participate in on street pay parking, I find it irritating! And I own a building in downtown with a lot. So I pay real estate taxes but no additional fees.
As I said, the objective of Decatur’s parking program is to cover costs and ensure turnover for retailers. There is no meaningful revenue in the fees. The program is a means to an end, i.e. turnover, which ensures that patrons of downtown businesses have a reasonable expectation of an available space in convenient proximity to what they’re trying to do.
so glad you’re here Scott. while i am a profligate waster of pixels, you bring knowledge and insight to nearly every post—i’ve learned a lot from you re: the ways and means of cities.
thanks.
This level of niceness has no place on DM, Rick! But it’s very much appreciated nonetheless. Yer a good egg.
Get a room
One leg on the floor at all times.
In fact, the City commission discussed this when they approved the contract. They set the rates to offset the cost of the system only and not at what many of us would consider a market rate for people heading downtown. Yes, it was all about turnover for the shops & restaurants and this was discussed at the meeting.
Also, I *think* the meter money (after expenses) goes to the Decatur Education Foundation. Someone please correct me if I have that wrong.
I believe a ticket is $15, but I’m not sure if that is what is was before.
I’m not aware of any parking revenue going to DEF. Is there a source of your information? The amount of a ticket varies according to the violation.
I think I read this in the Focus for when a production company takes over a chunk of spaces for extended times. Maybe I am totally incorrect or this is the policy specific to this kind of situation.
That’s different from regular parking revenue. Similarly, when a filming takes place in the Cemetery, the Cemetery Friends get the $$.
I’m not sure that would be allowed. Parking fees go to support parking infrastructure and enforcement. Fines go to offset municipal court costs and then to the general fund.
Ditto on the comment about Scott, thanks Decatur bro. Even so, parking in Decatur is darn expensive!
County parking deck is free after 5 and on weekends.
” parking in Decatur is darn expensive!”
Compared to what? Have you checked street parking rates in Atlanta? And, it’s in force until at least 10PM in some areas. And, in addition to what Rival said, parking on the street in Decatur is free after 6PM.
I paid $5 to park for dinner in VA Highland last Friday and that is the max I’m willing to pay in Atlanta. This isn’t NY or DC where parking is limited. Everywhere you turn here there is a deck, and paying $20 to see a concert or even go to a game is just laughable.
I used to hate going to the Highlands; parking and driving around there is a pain, price aside. Then came Uber. The difference in price for a round trip (from downtown Decatur) versus parking there is about the same as the price of a cocktail (or two beers) at many places. Totally worth it, especially if you like to have a few of those cocktails.
i’ve never paid to park in decatur. now them fancy cocktails and beers, they’re expensive. parking, not so much.
There aren’t a lot of places worth going where parking is free. For convenience, I use the app. The service fee is annoying (35 cents), but my main beef is that you have to pay it again if you decide you need to extend your parking session.