The debate over paid vs. free parking has been around since the installation of the first parking meter in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. With the recent decision by the mayor to not install a parking kiosk in the “library lot,” I expect more discussion locally. Even the idea of eliminating meters on Main and Federal streets has been floating around.

Since my getting involved with local government over 20 years ago, parking has always been on the local government plate. Former Selectman Bernie McGarrah used to say, “Without parking, tree hearings, and bad dog hearings, what would there be to talk about?” Some things never change.

With regard to parking, I know there have been countess studies done by national land-use planners that tend to show the benefits of paid parking are greater than the disadvantages. Paid parking generates revenue but it also helps with parking spot turnover, measuring traffic trends, and pushing cars to less populated spots through pricing.

Time and time again it has been proved that “free” parking does little to help business. With less turnover, it hurts more than it helps.

As a selectman, I often heard from downtown business owners who did not like free parking during the holiday shopping season. They witnessed employees parking in the best area parking spots, taking prime parking away from paying customers. I believe this will be the case if meters and kiosks are removed from our central commercial district.

But here is an idea if people want more for their parking quarters: the creation of a Parking Benefits District in Greenfield’s central commercial district. All net parking revenue to be spent on central commercial district safety, upkeep and improvements. This is a way to properly manage parking and show those paying a direct return on investment. A better solution than the elimination of the paid parking system.

Decisions about parking must be carefully made and involve professionals who know parking. The city should follow the parking plan recently completed by a city consultant and use the Parking & Traffic Commission. Parking will always be on the local government plate, but it shouldn’t sit next to the political hot potato.

Tim Farrell 

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