Wow.  That didn’t take long.

Multiple outlets posted this note from Atlantic Station owners on Friday…

“We are listening to our local community and neighbors’ feedback, suggestions and concerns regarding the new Atlantic Station parking program,” the statement said. “We recognize there are areas we would like to further evaluate and more clearly communicate to ensure this new transition will be as smooth as possible for our retailers and guests.

“A revised plan for the new parking program, which will offer two hours of free parking with validation from shops restaurants, gyms, food trucks and Regal Cinemas, will be shared pending further review.”

I’m not shocked by the general public’s reaction.  Take away anything free and you’ll hear about it.  I’m just a bit surprised that the owners weren’t confident enough in their original plan to stick to their guns on this issue.

Easy for me to say, I guess.  I don’t have bajillions on the line.

What Now Atlanta? reports that Atlantic Station is informing customers that beginning July 11th they’ll have to buy something at an AS retailer if they want the two hours of free parking, which many have become accustomed.

According to an AS sign posted on the site, shoppers will need to receive a validation card from a retailer post-purchase to get that most expected of modern day conveniences – free parking!  New Atlantic Station management is also painting parts of the underground parking deck in festive colors as part of a $2.5 million overhaul.

One must assume that such a policy targets loiterers and cruisers, who have long made it difficult for AS to develop the upscale image it seeks.  It will be interesting to see what impact such a policy will have.  Sure, you just need to buy something inexpensive to get a parking validation, but for most, even that is enough hassle to justify going elsewhere.  Of course, that doesn’t apply to just loiterers, but also shoppers with no specific intents to buy.