Proposal Cracks Down on Free Parking Vultures

By Joanna Miller in News on Apr 13, 2006 9:14PM

There are two kinds of drivers in Chicago: those who park for convenience, be it a lot, a garage or the street, and those who take pride in their resolve to always park on the street, more specifically in a non-metered spot. How do you recognize someone in the latter group? They usually announce their victory over “the system” as soon as they reach their destination.

Example: “Where did you guys park? The garage? Ha! I parked on the street!”

This is usually met with polite nods and a change of subject.

Not that we’re belittling the accomplishments of free street parking. We know it’s no small feat. Really. We love you street parkers, and we support your right to not spend as much to park as you do on a tank of gas, and we know gas ain't cheap these days. Which is why this is so hard. See, there may be some bad news coming your way.

The Metropolitan Planning Council has proposed to install more parking meters and raise meter rates in busy business districts to raise money for city services like mass transit. Under the proposal, rates would continue to rise in busy areas until drivers stop clogging the streets looking for a free spot.

"People are like circling vultures now for cheap street parking, and it increases congestion," said Mandy Burrell, a council spokeswoman. Now, for the record, she used the “vulture” word, not us. We love you, remember? Keep grabbing those free spots while you can, and we’ll keep pretending to be interested when you tell us about it.

Because, like we said, we love you.

Repent Parking Meter via crowbert