Starting on Tuesday, Columbus parking authorities will ticket people who park in Short North parking spots usually reserved for permit holders.
In January, the city created parking zones in the Short North to better manage demand for spaces.
“It can definitely be a challenge with all the construction trying to get through here,” says Lucas Ryan, an Uber and Lyft driver. “Parking is kind of unclear.”
The zones transform spots that were once free into spots that must be paid for.
“I like the fact that there’s still metered parking," Ryan says. "Just now, my friend and I parked for 20 minutes and it was super easy. There was still time on the meter."
Now, people who park in the zones without paying through a mobile app will be fined.
Andrea Lee stopped through the Short North to grab a bite to eat. She says more expensive parking is inevitable in such a booming area.
“Columbus is a huge real estate, like, hot market right now, so the space is really kind of high demand," Lee says. "So given that I’m sure the community can band together and find some kind of creative method. I’m not sure what that is.”
It costs up to $3 per hour to park. Rates will be enforced Mondays through Saturdays, and employers will be allowed up to 10 annual employee permits. Residents can purchase up to 300 guests passes per year for visitors.
Lee hopes there is a cheaper alternative to the parking zones.
“If people feel like that will keep the vitality of the area, I say let’s just keep it going," Lee says. "Then find a more creative solution to find thrifty ways to keep this more easy for everybody."
Collected funds will be used to develop public transportation in Columbus.
