Columbus rolls back parking meter increases...at least for now

You can sign the petition here.

clipped from www.dispatch.com Officials say they want four to six months to study options Tuesday,  December 15, 2009 2:37 PM By Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Mayor Michael B. Coleman is rescinding the city's 50 percent parking meter rate hike for as long as six months to determine better ways to raise rates to back a new hotel and replace aging meters without angering small business owners. "He is essentially calling for a time out," Coleman's spokesman, Dan Williamson, said today, adding that the mayor remains committed to a rate increase. "What the mayor is signaling here is we're open to how we raise rates." City officials were stung by the reaction of Downtown and Short North business owners in particular who complained loudly that the rate hikes would hurt their businesses. John Angelo of the Short North Business Association has suggested extending meters hours to raise money for the hotel and new meters.

City officials will meet with an advisory panel made up of business owners and others to determine a solution.

"What the mayor would like to do is harness that energy in a positive way," Williamson said.

As of yesterday morning, an online petition circulated by the Citizens for a Collaborative Columbus Government had gathered 1,069 signatures to halt or reverse the rate increase.

That effort, spearheaded by Angelo and local restaurateur Elizabeth Lessner, is shooting for 2,000 signatures.

"Let's send a clear message to Meter Hike Mike," Angelo wrote in an e-mail today.

It appears Coleman heard the message loud and clear.

The city began raising rates at parking meters on Nov. 30. Crews will begin resetting the meters today or Wednesday, Williamson said.

Officials acknowledged last week they should have sought more input, but denied accusations that they misled people about the hike. They also said they would not rescind it.

Williamson said the city would ultimately raise rates next year.

He also said the city remains committed to providing $1.4 million though parking revenue to financially back, if needed, a Hilton hotel planned for a site across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The city also plans to use money generated from the hike to replace 4,300 aging parking meters.