Alderwoman Tierney Proposes Parking Rate Increase Downtown

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Alderwoman Elly Tierney introduced a resolution Monday that would double parking meter rates at waterfront parking lots in downtown Annapolis. The proposed ordinance would increase the hourly parking rate from $2 to $4, which would generate more funding for the city's transportation fund, she said. The ordinance would take effect for the fiscal year 2020 fees schedule.

The parking rate would only apply to certain lots:

• City Dock from Craig Street to Susan Campbell Park
• Dock Street lot from Randall Street to Craig Street
• Donner lot on Compromise Street
• Basil lot on Compromise Street

During the Annapolis city council meeting, Tierney said the additional flow of cash would support public transportation and underutilized garages.

“The parking fund supports the transportation fund. When I read reports like land use, they all say we need connectivity and we need better transit,” Tierney told the Capital Gazette.

According to the Capital Gazette, Erik Evans is afraid that the parking rate increase would cut into the number of people who visit downtown businesses. Evans is the executive director for Downtown Annapolis Partnership.

“It makes it so the wealthy can come to visit the heart of our city. We want to make sure the heart of our city is welcoming to everybody.”

Tierney argued that the parking increase would not affect locals because of where the parking rate increase applies. Rates in garages and other metered spots across the downtown area would stay the same, which is where more locals park, she said.

The proposal now heads to the transportation committee for review before returning to the council for public comment and a council vote.