More on the parking fee

This column by Kathryn Lookofsky, director of the Athens Downtown Development Authority, points out, as well, as how the $2.50 fee is tied soley to the new parking deck ...

The new deck will have approximately 520 spaces. There is a current waiting list of 450 people for downtown parking. If we meet the needs of future employees and customers of the new tenants in the mixed-use facility, the new deck already is full.

The discussion about future downtown parking costs has caused some concern. Citizens should know that the proposed fees for the parking deck will be used to cover the operating costs and the related debt service. The proposed fees presented are for the new parking deck only.