Cleveland Councilman Kevin Bishop is advocating for a temporary halt to the rollout of a new parking program that significantly raises costs for residents and businesses. Bishop’s request comes in response to feedback from community members who are concerned about the impact of increased parking fees, which have risen to $1.50 per hour.
During an interview on Thursday afternoon, Bishop emphasized the need to engage with those affected before implementing changes. “This can increase the cost of living for a lot of different people,” he stated. He urged the city to pause the parking initiative until further feedback can be gathered, highlighting the importance of understanding the community’s perspective.
The backdrop to this request is legislation passed by the city council in March 2023, which allowed for the elimination of free weekend parking and introduced higher rates in various neighborhoods. Bishop, who chairs the city’s Municipal Properties and Services Committee, clarified that the intention was to address parking issues in Downtown Cleveland, rather than to impose financial burdens on residential areas. “It wasn’t our intent, and we didn’t envision that we would be adding so many different, so many additional parking spaces for paid parking,” he explained, acknowledging the unintended consequences of the legislation.
Concerns about the parking program are echoed by local business owners. Tara Cohen, a barber at Premier Barber Studio, expressed her worries about the financial implications of the new parking fees. “It will hurt a lot,” she said, indicating that the increased parking costs could reach up to $400 per month for her. Cohen fears that these expenses will deter clients from visiting her studio, which she has established in the community. “I’m pretty worried, honestly,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to the neighborhood despite living outside of Cleveland.
Cohen highlighted the existing challenge of finding parking near her workplace, describing it as a “get in where you fit in situation.” She fears that the increased parking fees will not only strain her finances but may also push small business owners to reconsider their locations in Cleveland.
In response to Bishop’s call for a moratorium on the parking program, the City of Cleveland has not provided an official comment. A spokesperson, Tyler Sinclair, issued a statement acknowledging the concerns raised but did not elaborate on the city’s plans moving forward.
As the situation develops, the community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that balances the city’s need for revenue with the economic realities faced by residents and local businesses.
