Proposal to increase paid parking hours in Houston draws criticism and support

In Houston, Texas (KTRK) – Kennedi Finner finds the current parking situation in Houston quite convenient for her post-work plans. “Boom, I just got off work, I just caught happy hour, it’s the perfect time for parking and going out,” she stated. However, the prospect of paying for parking during these leisure activities dampens the experience for her. “There are other places you can go and park for free and get the same experience,” Finner added.

Veronica Carr shares similar sentiments, expressing resentment towards the idea of paid parking and its potential impact on the city’s culture. “I resent it because I think they are changing the culture in Houston,” Carr remarked. Yuval Miller also disagrees with the proposed increase, believing it to be unfair to residents like himself.

Currently, paid parking is enforced from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 13 hours of free parking available and all-day free parking on Sundays and holidays. However, a new proposal suggests extending paid parking hours from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., leaving only six hours of free parking, with Sundays and holidays remaining free.

City council members argue that this adjustment is a necessary step to boost the city’s revenue without imposing additional taxes on the population. “We want to make sure the city remains affordable, but we also have to realize we have to generate additional revenue without taxing the entire population,” explained Houston City Council member Tiffany Thomas.

Council member Pollard emphasized the importance of generating revenue to fund essential city services like public works and solid waste management. “Public dollars are the only way we are able to provide services to the city, so when you think about public works, and you think about solid waste, a lot of the things we depend on each and every day, it takes money,” Pollard stated.

Currently, parking fees generate around $5 million annually, and the proposed increase in paid hours could potentially double that amount. Angelo Fortine expressed willingness to accept the change if the revenue is invested in improving city infrastructure. “Put the money towards this thing, towards the roads and I’m good,” Fortine remarked.

The decision on the proposed parking changes will be made at the upcoming city council meeting, with no plans for a price hike included in the proposal.