PITTSBURGH \u2014 Parking could be harder to find and more expensive during the NFL Draft weekend in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
A Pittsburgh councilmember is proposing a bill that would temporarily raise the price of street parking on the North Side and downtown to help manage demand and support enforcement during the busy weekend.<\/p>\n
Less than a month before the draft, preparations are already underway.<\/p>\n
Some drivers say they are planning ahead and avoiding the congestion altogether.<\/p>\n
Frederick Johnson, of California, Pennsylvania, said his car won\u2019t be anywhere near the activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, knowing that parking is going to cost that much, probably use public transit. Probably park a little further away,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Private lots have already set stiff prices.<\/p>\n
Rivers Casino is charging $250 per day, or $500 for four days, according to their website.<\/p>\n
Other garages are listing rates of $100 or more a day during the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I saw what the casino is charging, I was ready to put someone in my front yard,\u201d said North Shore resident Dan Strinkoski.<\/p>\n
At Tuesday\u2019s council meeting, Councilman Bobby Wilson, who oversees District One, proposed increasing street parking rates to $5 an hour on the North Side and Downtown Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
He said the goal is to balance parking operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cKind of keep order to raise some funds for the additional staff that\u2019s needed to get out there and inspect who\u2019s staying longer than they should,\u201d said Wilson.<\/p>\n
Wilson also hopes drivers take advantage of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority\u2019s public garages, where parking is expected to cost at least $40 a day during the draft.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure that we are moving those people into those spaces to park and not trying to park their car in a metered spot for three or four days,\u201d Wilson explained.<\/p>\n
Some streets on the North Side would be exempt, including East Ohio Street, Middle Street and James Street, as well as California Avenue and Perrysville Avenue.<\/p>\n
While the proposal is not meant to discourage people from driving, some people we spoke to recommend other options.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are better off staying at a hotel and taking the subway, take the T\u201d, said Strinkoski<\/p>\n
If approved, the temporary changes would be in effect from April 22 through April 27, 2026.<\/p>\n
Parking violations during that time would cost $120.<\/p>\n
City council is expected to take a final vote on the proposal on Tuesday, April 7.<\/p>\n
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