Originally set for today (but moved last week), the City Council is now set to hear the mayor’s new plan for a “Parking Meter Utilization” program onTuesday afternoon beginning at 2pm. 45% of parking meter revenues are set aside for the benefit of the community where the funds are generated. The city gets the other 55%. Neighborhoods in Uptown receive approximately $750,000 annually collected in Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and Five Points (near Washington Street & I-5). Since 1997 Hillcrest money was saved for a promised parking garage. These funds have paid for painting utility boxes, lots of studies and a portion of the new parking median on Normal Street — the rest is in a reserve with the city. Uptown is one of six parking districts in San Diego. Most neighborhoods like North Park, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Old Town and Ocean Beach have no meters. Is that equitable? Shouldn’t new parking meters go there first, Mr. Mayor?!?
In December 2010, the Uptown Partnership severed their contract with the city which has hired a consultant to advise how to form a new parking advisory district for the Uptown neighborhoods. Community leaders have called for a postponement of Tuesday’s hearing because Uptown is not represented, and lack of public notice. The community was originally advised that the hearing would take place on Monday, March 7, and appropriate re-noticing has not been shared. In light of the void in representation for Uptown and the change in hearing dates, it seems reasonable for the city to postpone the hearing to a date that will allow for better noticing to the community and give organizations an opportunity to share their opinions with the city council. (In 2009 60% said they would be opposed to raising San Diego parking meter rates.)
