BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The hunt for a better parking spot at Valley Plaza may be over, if you’re willing to pay for it.
The Bakersfield mall is rolling out a premier parking option, which has sparked plenty of conversation among shoppers.
The mall has introduced paid parking spaces near select entrances. For $2 an hour, shoppers can pay for what Valley Plaza is calling convenience.
Dozens of ‘Preferred Paid Parking’ signs are plastered across the Valley Plaza in Bakersfield. Shoppers will now have to pay $2 an hour if they want to park in the front of the mall.
“Parking can be a pain – having to drive around looking for a spot – we get it, so we have implemented it at some of our properties, including Valley Plaza,” said Valley Plaza spokesperson Lindsay Khan. “This preferred parking program where those who want to park up front – they don’t want to have to look for a spot – they have that option.”
Not everyone is sold on the idea.
“It can’t be convenience if you have to park further or pay to park closer to the mall,” said Bakersfield resident Gregory Conley. “I mean that is a big inconvenience, you know?”
17 News paid a visit to Valley Plaza, where not one person was a fan of the new option, many of them surprised that the entire front parking lot was becoming a “preferred parking” zone.
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“What’s going on here? The parking lot is full over there. I see all of these signs – are we Downtown LA now?” said Bakersfield resident Michael Curtis. “(They’re) trying to just take all of our money.”
Some customers didn’t see the point of paying for parking.
“I just don’t understand why,” said Elizabeth Hardison. “I mean, this is Valley Plaza – like l I’ve been coming here my whole life.”
Others said the move is downright wrong.
“I don’t think it’s right because we already come to shop here,” said Jesus Lopez. “We pay taxes, and all that stuff. So, I don’t see why they should be charging for parking.”
Even mall employees are upset.
“I’ve had my car broken into. My coworkers have also had their cars broken into multiple times. So it’s a matter of our safety,” said Genessie Falk.
Enforcement for preferred parking has already begun. Mall security is handing out citations to those who don’t pay to park in the front.
Khan says people still have options if they dont want to pay. She said out of thousands of parking spots at Valley Plaza, only a few hundred are preferred parking.
“If you don’t want this option, there is still ample places to park for free,” Khan said. “Again, this is just an opportunity for convenience. That’s all it is.”
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