ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Orlando leaders could vote Monday to increase downtown parking rates. This would be the first-rate hike since 2009.<\/p>\n
This increase would affect both street and garage parking. Street meters would jump from $1 to $2 an hour. Garage rates would increase from $2 to $3 dollars an hour.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery often,\u201d Chrystal Christiansen said when asked how often she visits Downtown Orlando. \u201cProbably 3 times a week. I live around the corner, so I often frequent the Publix.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe come down here pretty frequently,\u201d Riley Keagle said.<\/p>\n
Whether you are shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or visiting Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, sometimes it is just more convenient to drive and park yourself.<\/p>\n
Soon, it could cost you a bit more, as city commissioners discuss increasing the rates by a dollar for street and garage parking.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot good,\u201d Christiansen said. \u201cIt already costs enough for people; parking is already horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christiansen said she lives downtown but she doesn\u2019t want to walk in the rain or when she\u2019s in a time crunch. She said she\u2019d rather drive. and doesn\u2019t want to pay more for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Christiansen said.<\/p>\n
While some residents don\u2019t think the increase is necessary, others like Keagle do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a unique way to generate some more money,\u201d Keagle said.<\/p>\n
The rate change is projected to generate $5.5 million for the city. It\u2019s not clear what that money could be used for.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s something Keagle hopes is used to keep Orlando busy and safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s used appropriately, I think it could really help, especially if you keep downtown clean,\u201d Keagle said. \u201cI\u2019m not opposed to general increases. Inflation impacts city budgets and city governments as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
This would also increase monthly parking passes by $10.<\/p>\n
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