EDITORIALS

Dover's new parking fees are worthy experiment

Staff Writer
Fosters Daily Democrat

"Dover is trying to be like Portsmouth. Or Boston."

"Dover is just trying to make money. This is a solution where there is no problem."

These are just a few of the criticisms lobbed at the Dover City Council following its unanimous decision this week to put an end to free downtown parking on Saturdays, as well as extend parking enforcement by one hour to 8 p.m. and add progressive pricing for those who park longer than two hours. The current cost of $1 per hour will remain in place for the first two hours you park, but it will go up to $2 per hour for hours 3-5 and $3 per hour after the fifth hour.

The reaction was swift. Many people don't like Saturday parking fees or any of the changes.

The topic of parking and parking rates is always controversial and often heated in any community. And it's always a fair debate. Are businesses really losing customers because people take up space in front of their restaurant or shop? Or do their customers simply park a short distance away on the street or in the garage and walk? Should Dover have planned better for recent (and ongoing) development of departments downtown, requiring more parking? Will some people choose not to shop or eat downtown on Saturdays if they have to pay to park?

These are legitimate questions to raise. But the decisions on parking are based on thoughtful study by the city Parking Commission, which recommended the changes. We believe the council is right to give the new parking fees and rules a try.

Business owners have complained about people parking all weekend in front of their businesses. City parking manager Bill Simons has said 85 percent of those who park in downtown spaces are gone within two hours, but some residents of downtown apartments, some downtown business employees and even some downtown business owners take advantage of the current free parking on weekends and stay much longer. Just asking people not to do this won't work. As city Parking Commissioner Charlie Reynolds has said, “The only way to change behavior is through economics.”

We agree. It's human nature to do what is most convenient. Paying to park all day Saturday won't be appealing, and people who want to leave their car in one place all day (or all weekend) will likely move their cars once the Saturday fees go into effect, likely later this summer or in early fall. This should free up spaces for diners and shoppers, which is the goal.

If you're still skeptical, note that Dover councilors have said they are open to changing the policies again if Saturday parking fees, extended hours and progressive pricing don't produce the desired results.

We know not everyone in Dover is thrilled with downtown development, but the growing popularity and vibrancy of downtown puts the city in an enviable position. And this growth comes with issues like parking that must be addressed. The parking fee changes approved in Dover seem right-sized to the issues Dover faces. If they turn out to be off the mark or have unintended consequences, residents can rightfully hold councilors to their promise to reconsider.