West Dearborn ending most user-paid parking by March 24

DEARBORN User-paid parking will end for the parking decks and surface lots in west Dearborn as of Sunday, March 15.

About 40 meters along Mason, Howard, and West Village Drive will remain to encourage turnover because they are among the most convenient parking spaces to nearby businesses.

Parking restrictions will still be enforced at the meters on the three streets, and drivers are advised to pay a meter if they park at a meter, or face a fine. Meters will remain along Howard, from West Village Drive to Garrison; Mason, from West Village Drive to Michigan Avenue; and West Village Drive, along Mason to Howard.

The City of Dearborn has transitioned away from a user-paid parking system in the west downtown business district to promote greater interest from real estate developers and to boost customer activity.

The de-commissioning of the user-paid parking system addresses the perception that paid parking is an obstacle to redevelopment.

It also addresses a popular sentiment that paying for parking in public lots, decks and on-street spaces discourages customers who would otherwise patronize west Dearborn businesses.

The City Council voted on Oct. 21 to phase out the user-paid system, based on a recommendation from the Mayor and the Parking Advisory Commission.

Mayor John B. OReilly, Jr. stated in advocating the change:

This is a very positive step that will help us achieve our goal of promoting more investment and activity in the west downtown. To get the best results for our local economy, we need to be realistic and remove anything that is perceived as an impediment to recreating a robust and vibrant business district.

The public parking system will continue to be financed with money from the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority (WDDDA) and the Citys general fund at a lesser amount than in previous years. Continued...

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West Dearborn ending most user-paid parking by March 24