COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Visitors and residents who park downtown in Coeur d’Alene may pay more under a city proposal to raise parking permit fees at several popular locations.
If the proposal passes, monthly permits for the parking structure on Coeur D’Alene Avenue would rise from $60 to $100. The McEuen Parking Structure would increase from $40 to $45 a month. Memorial Field would go from $25 to $35 a month. Permits for City Park, also known as the Museum lot, would rise by $15 a month.
The city is requesting more money for parking to offset maintenance and operations costs. According to the City Council agenda, the increases in parking and other service fees would generate more than $100,000 in annual revenue.
The city also points to special events. According to city documents, events such as the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and marathons add up to more than $43,000 in overtime costs. The city says the fee increases would help manage those costs.
Not everyone supports the plan. Tate Vasquez, a frequent visitor to the park, said he doesn’t think the city should charge for parking at all.
“I don’t think they should be charging at all, especially for locals. An idea I have is if you moved here in the last five years, you should pay a royalty.”
Vasquez also said the city should focus its money elsewhere.
“More of the park stuff, less of the parking. I mean, people should also walk to, I think, find free parking and walk.”
The Coeur d’Alene City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday.
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