Council Report: New parking rates for West 7th

PROPOSED PARKING RATE CHANGE ON W. 7TH

The Fort Worth City Council continues to address the parking situation on West 7th Street. At Tuesday’s work session they received an informal report on the subject, including a new proposal that officials hope will help alleviate the problem.

Because of a lack of available on-street parking, largely due to long-term parking and lack of turnover, parking became a significant concern for the district, particularly for its business success. So, meters were installed in August of 2018 with variable rate structures from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.

While traffic safety and parking have improved since the installation, some businesses are now are claiming the the metered parking has contributed to a decline in business during the day.

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“Staff has been working with stakeholders since the on-street metered parking was implemented. We recently met to discuss the impact to the businesses,” Assistant Director of Transportation and Public Works Tanya Brooks said.

To address this concern, city staff is proposing a new rate structure to allow two hours of free parking daily, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A $3 rate would be charged for the third hour if a patron stays beyond their allotted two hours of free parking.

A $3 per hour rate would be charged between 5-10 p.m. with no free parking.

The council is expected to have an agenda item to vote on to make this change official on Dec. 10. If approved, the new rate structure will become effective on Dec. 13.