Along with the sun and your cellphone bill, parking rates rise in Oak Park. The village government would suggest that it continues to try to pay down past errors in parking management — fees that were historically too low, that freebie of a parking garage gift wrapped for OPRF a decade ago. Some businesses and shoppers suggest the village government is hell-bent on driving all retail and service out of town.
Whatever your perspective, the village board will soon receive a proposal to eliminate the last vestige of free garage parking and to raise by a notable amount the cost of quarterly permits in village lots and garages. Parking meter prices would remain unchanged since no one wants to go through that firestorm again.
We’d suggest a middle ground on the rate hikes, particularly in commercial districts. Continuing to reduce the long-term debt in the village’s parking fund is an essential goal. But it can and should be accomplished gradually. Protecting what is a nascent retail recovery in Oak Park shopping districts is vital. And whether real or perception, jacking up parking costs creates an ill vibe that should be avoided as much as possible.
