Paid Parking in Our Downtown

Last summer, Saratoga Springs initiated a confusing, complex paid parking program for City-owned lots and parking garages.  It required substantial investment in hardware and software as well as the cost of registering  vehicles of City residents who could then park for free.

This year, summer paid parking has returned with the additional option for those who reside outside the City but within the City School District to pay a seasonal parking fee.  All others continue to pay two dollars an hour unless they are parking on the streets where parking continues to be free.  More confusion!

A big part of our successful downtown has been the number of regional residents who have been coming here for years.  They were looking for a safe, vibrant place to spend their time and their money.  They are not tourists.  They are loyal customers who happen to live outside of our City.

Turning our back on these patrons for three months a year is not a good strategy.  They will find other places to spend their money and may not return.

Sales and property tax revenue generated by downtown commerce has helped to keep property taxes low for our residents.  A portion of that revenue can be set aside to fund parking garage maintenance and police foot patrols without resorting to paid seasonal parking.

A limited paid parking system makes sense for Chowderfest and the Victorian Stroll and well as Friday and Saturday evenings during racing season.  But no one should have to pay to park in our downtown on a summer afternoon.

– Chris Mathiesen | Saratoga Springs