LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The LexPark Board has unanimously approved a plan to return to free parking at downtown meters on weekends and after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. The city says the changes will go into effect immediately.
Mayor Linda Gorton negotiated the agreement after several downtown businesses expressed concerns over recent rate increases and expanded hours.
“I've been talking to my friends in the bartending community, the serving community, everyone is thrilled. They do want more, but they're happy they're being listened to,” said Sylvia Gross, a restaurant employee in downtown Lexington.
The LexPark team plans on working quickly to change the stickers on meters and to reprogram them to reflect the new enforcement hours.
Because LexPark needed additional revenue for safety improvements, the city will increase the amount it pays to park employee vehicles in LexPark garages. Starting on July 1, the city will pay the government rate which is an increase of about $200,000 a year.
A final vote is set for March 9.
Despite their willingness to compromise, LexPark may face more obstacles the next time they propose parking changes, thanks to Senate bill 75.
Proposed by Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown, the bill would give cities more input when parking authorities propose changes to meter rates and hours of enforcement.
