Should the city increase rates for downtown parking?

[GRDadof3 2750]

The Parking Commission has recommended leaving rates alone, as their costs have actually gone down in the past year. The City Commission is thinking otherwise.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/ind...04/parking.html

I say "why stop the momentum of businesses taking the plunge and moving into downtown?" Retail is on life support. Why would they raise what are already pretty expensive parking rates (in my opinion)? It's not going to entice people to ride the bus to downtown. It will entice them to choose low cost free parking suburban retail and employment centers.

[wingbert 622]

The Parking Commission has recommended leaving rates alone, as their costs have actually gone down in the past year. The City Commission is thinking otherwise.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/ind...04/parking.html

I say "why stop the momentum of businesses taking the plunge and moving into downtown?" Retail is on life support. Why would they raise what are already pretty expensive parking rates (in my opinion)? It's not going to entice people to ride the bus to downtown. It will entice them to choose low cost free parking suburban retail and employment centers.