The March 25, 2014 city council agenda has 3 items on it relating to parking around our new ball park.
Last minute
True to prior form these items are being raised at the last minute. That way city council does not have the time to consider other options. The citizens will just have to watch city council do the bidding of city staff.
Item 8.2 on the regular agenda is a proposed ordinance that would “establish a process for the creation of Downtown Parking Districts” that would essentially allow a city representative to propose a new district or a geographic change to an existing district. That seems logical to me, at least it will require the elected officials to vote on it.
The ordinance would also expand an existing district to include “an area in the vicinity of the El Paso Ballpark and the Old San Francisco District”.
Parking Meters
City staff wants to install parking meters in the areas that ball park patrons would probably want to park in. This, of course, is another revenue grab. The proposed ordinance would provide for residents of the area to receive permits that would allow them to park in the metered spaces without paying the fee. That’s nice.
Hidden cost
The item is submitted for the agenda with the required “Agenda Item Department Head’s Summary Form”. The form is designed to convey essential information to city council including the amount and source of funding.
In this case the form indicates “N/A” in the section that would tell council members how much money will be spent.
I hope to publish a post tomorrow about the other two items.
We deserve better
Brutus
elpasospeak 
It seems to me that I am also seeing a lot more traffic tickets being written by El Paso Police these days as well. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that I am seeing this at a time when the City clearly needs the money.
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This will not be the last of needed revenue. The HOT is lower than we were told was going to happen, the sales tax is down…and the price of the park has gone nowhere but up.
On a bright note: I can’t wait to eat at the City Hall Grill and piss in the “Insights Science Museum” urinals.
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You’re right. We should look on the bright side. The 25-cent hot dog night and $1 beer nights are bound to improve the image of El Paso and bring more visitors to our city. Those beer nights might even generate a little more DUI ticket income. It’s all good. Right?
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Or take a “woody” in the stalls.
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I believe someone here once said that Foster owns all the parking spots and meters. So, if the city is thinking about designating a ballpark district and installing more meters in the area, then it’s obviously not for the benefit of the city but rather for the Foster empire. All this huff and puff for the measley amounts to be gained by the city, if any, is hypocritical in view of the lopsided ballpark deals that are in place and the debt burden on the city. .As for the nearby residents…you guys keep fighting for the right to park in your space, but don’t expect thoughtless and inconsiderate littledogg fans from parking there any chance they get.
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