Free Parking Extended at Downtown Garages

It’s been said that Evanston is the city that killed the car, but extended free parking hours at the garages downtown may attract a few more drivers this holiday season.

Downtown visitors will be able to park for free at the city’s three downtown self-park garages on weekdays between 5 p.m. and midnight and all day on Saturday beginning with Thanksgiving weekend, according to the Evanston Review. At City Lot #60 on Chicago Avenue, there will be a free parking window from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

Parking is already free at the city garages and lots on Sundays.

The City Council officially adopted this earlier this month following a recommendation from the city’s Transportation/Parking Committee.

A major reason behind enacting this is to increase traffic at local businesses.

“The merchants really lobby for this,” 3rd Ward Ald. Melissa Wynne said. “It’s been a program they tell us is very well received by their customers.”

We know Evanston loves a variety of ideas and activities. Shopping locally and not bringing your car are two of them, and this initiative shows the former is clearly of more importance.

more via the Evanston Review