Burlington Business Association

Click above for a Map of Click above to info Click above for a Map of
Metered Parking in Burlington on the PARC Shuttle Service Parking Locations in Burlington

DPW Commission Approves Parking Rate Increases and Meter Changes

Report prepared by the Burlington Business Association, June 2008

The City of Burlington's Department of Public Works Commission last night approved changes to parking rates and meter durations within the city of Burlington. Seeking to generate additional funds, the Department of Pubic Works (DPW) recommended this increase in parking rates. In addition, based on recommendations from the BBA's Downtown Action Group (DAG), the DPW Commission voted in favor a increasing time at all two hour parking meters to three hours.

According to BBA Executive Director Kelly Devine, "Our retail and restaurant members indicated that the two-hour time limit on street meters did not give their customers enough time to fully engage in the experience of visiting downtown Burlington - they need time to shop, eat, perhaps stroll or visit."

BBA, DAG and the DPW have been meeting since March to discuss downtown parking. BBA Board of Directors member and DAG Chairperson Jeff Nick lead the discussion. Jeff, who also serves as Chair of the Church Street Marketplace (CSMP) Commission along with CSMP Executive Director Ron Redmond, spoke on behalf of the Church Street retailers and restaurateurs. In these discussions with DPW, BBA and CSMP emphasized the need to promote turn-over at downtown garages and to make street meters more user friendly. In addition, the BBA and CSMP discussed the need for improved garage maintenance, upkeep and signage.

The BBA and CSMP voiced strong support for the 2 hour Free parking program which will remain in effect along with Sunday Free parking

The DPW has announced plans to conduct trials of central kiosk style parking meters at the Pease Lot on the waterfront this summer and in a downtown location next year. In addition, their 2009 budget includes adding custodial service on Sundays, improved lighting, and improved signage at the Church Street Marketplace Garage. Pat Buteau, Assistant Director of the DPW indicated that new signage will announce when the garage is full and direct parkers to other downtown garages where space is often available.

Pat Buteau indicated that the new parking rates and other improvements will be phased in this July, following 21 days of required public publishing.

A review of the parking rate changes, as provided by the DPW, appears below.

Parking Rate Increases
ITEM	FROM	TO	PER
Parking Garages	$5.50	$8.00	Day (8hrs.)
Monthly Leases - 5 day	$70.00	$75.00	Month
Monthly Leases - 6 day	$80.00	$90.00	Month
75 Early Bird Coupons	$3.00	$4.00	Day
All meters except 10 hour	$0.75	$1.00	Hour
10 hour parking meters	$2.00	$4.00	Day

*Note: Garage Rates will rise from $0.75 to $1.00 per hour

June 12, 2008

Kelly Devine, Executive Director
Burlington Business Association
110 Main Street, #3B
Burlington, VT 05445

director@bbavt.org

802-863-1175