Much of it has to do with supply and demand
City of Niagara Falls is looking at parking rates that'll keep in line with supply and demand.
Mayor Jim Diodati's idea is to raise the rates during peak times of use, adding there were parking issues during the eclipse that need to be addressed. He also says the idea is to turn spots over, in order to stop people from parking all day. As for New Year's and long weekends, he says city parking lots fill up quickly at $8 for the day, and then the guy across the street jacks up his price.
Councillor Lori Lococo noted it costs money to run a city. "Keep the costs low for the pavement, and snowplowing, I get that. But I don't want to be opportunistic, I would like visitors to come back. I don't want them to come here and say 'Oh, my gosh, it was so expensive, I'm never going back to Niagara Falls again', because I have heard that a lot."
The mayor's other idea is to charge $35 a year, enabling parking on city streets for up to 3 hours.
However, resident Liz Palmucci reminded city council to think of people who visit, and residents.
"I have family, that when they want to come down here, I have to really think about the parking scenario as it is. Let's not do anything downtown on Clifton Hill, let's go elsewhere, because I don't want to get gouged for the parking."
City council did not vote on this, but is waiting for further information before proceeding.
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