Making Paid Parking Palatable … if that’s even possible!

My Sense and the City column this week is all about the paid parking — using meters downtown — situation in Sarasota.

“I get that the city needs money and is hurting financially. But here’s a news flash: so are the rest of us.”

You can read the column on page 7 of today’s TICKET (available for FREE at newstands throughout the city where the old Creative Loafing boxes are) or read it online at Making Paid Parking Palatable.

Posted on January 13th, 2011Comments RSS Feed

10 Responses to Making Paid Parking Palatable … if that’s even possible!

Steve
January 13, 2011 at 4:29 pm

Your columns have been great MC!
John W. Perkins
January 13, 2011 at 4:53 pm

You think the comissioners will listen to your sound advice ?

By the way, how much do you think it would cost to purchase the meters, have the city employees install them, hire meter maids to issue tickets, and when do they expect a return on their investment ?
The Advocate
January 13, 2011 at 7:54 pm

Mary, here’s a plausable solution to the entire Main St. – Meter fiasco….how about we just close off Main St. from Pineapple to Orange Ave to traffic altogether? We do what they have in European Countries – we walk?! Now, here’s a concept; we close off Main Street to traffic, brick-pave the entire street, place benches, fountains and potted palms all along the street. The vehicles can be parked at the new parkign garage and just make Main Street pedestrian friendly… Mary, I’m certain you’ve seend quaint streets like this in France and I’ve seen shopping areas like this in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Mary, it works! This way, there would be more outdoor seating in front of the resteraunts, cafe’s, wine bars and the new French Bistros…. walk down the middle of the streets and admire Sarasota for what it truly could be, a new, gem for Southwest Florida. People would come from all over to admire the European flair. Italy has this concept, as well as most other countries around Europe.

This same concept could happen at St. Armand’s Circle as well. This would eliminate every problem. We could have parking garages, strageticly located, with shuttles coming back and forth, every half hour..open air trolleys.

Hey, just a thought……

The Advocate
The Advocate
January 13, 2011 at 7:55 pm

Oh, and throw in some potted flowers along the newly pedestrian walkways as well…
MC
January 13, 2011 at 8:07 pm

I like that idea, Advocate!
Karen R. Koenig
January 14, 2011 at 3:32 pm

MC-That was a fine and sensible column. Maybe you should run for city council! Karen
MC
January 15, 2011 at 12:54 pm

Thank you so much, Karen! What a nice compliment. I wouldn’t mind working government but can’t imagine I’d ever get elected! Thanks for reading and for posting a note!
Steve
January 15, 2011 at 1:19 pm

Well MC you have Dan,JW and my vote so it is a start.BTW good idea Karen!
MC
January 15, 2011 at 1:31 pm

Thanks Steve! Guess I better start my speech-writing … hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day.
Scott V.
January 16, 2011 at 10:30 pm

I for one support the idea of letting PETA promote an animal free diet with scantily clad women. Especially ones with leather gloves. I mean, you know, let’s be practical.