Some city parking rates up, others stay

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - You'll have to shell out another buck to park in a city-owned lot or ramp near Van Andel Arena starting August 1.

Rates in and around Van Andel Arena will increase between $7 and $9 depending on where you park.

But hourly and daily maximum rates throughout the city will remain the same.

Why not raise them all?

"The Parking Fund is in decent shape, and we have a fund balance," said Pam Ritsema, managing director of Enterprise Services for the city.

The latest rate adjustment is not likely to quell the ongoing debate among the people who recommend what to do about the price of parking.

Some parking commission members wanted higher rates as a way to encourage alternatives like mass transit and carpooling. They're also concerned with the lower rates for city-provided parking creating an unfair advantage affecting private parking providers.

Others on the commission, which is made up of stakeholders from both the private and public sector, want lower rates to encourage people to come downtown.

"We've had some lively discussions," said Third Ward Commissioner Elias Lumpkins, the city commission representative to the parking commission.

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Online:

Grand Rapids City Commission agenda for July 10 (pdf)