Parking Rate Hike Plan Criticized

An incrsase in parking rates is being opposed by the Downtown Business Association, which says such an increase "would be deterimental to business and in turn to the city." In a letter to Mayor Robert J. Harris, the businessmen's association president, Jack Fagin, noted the board has recently taken a stand against án increase in rates. A committee formed to evalúate the proposed increases opposes the increase, Fagin said, but added that if the increase "is the only way to make the parking system solvent this may be the only alternative." That special committee also recommended that i f a n increase is absolutely necessary, that the on-street meters be increased first and that offstreet rates be reviewed after a year. "After all, the philosophy behind on-street meters is to encourage short-term parking, leaving the lots and structures for use by long-term parkers," Fagin said. The City Council is expected to act in two weeks on the proposed rate increases, which generally would doublé the onstreet rates from the current 10 cents per hour to 20 cents per hour. Eates in lots and carports would also be increased, 1 ally along these same lines. Fagin also said the businessmen's association urges a promotional campaign by the city to encourage use of the municipal lots. "It should be noted the monthly parking rates were I established to help solve the critical problem faced by those who work downtown while at the same time giving the city a guaranteed parking income," Fagin said.