Change doesn’t always come easy.
Bradenton Beach city commissioners met opposition Sept. 15 as Bridge Street merchants and employees had their say about concerns over a proposed paid-parking program in the commercial district.
There was a full gallery for the meeting, as commissioners were expected to establish a paid program administered by Easy Parking Group.
Easy Parking is contracted with the city’s community redevelopment agency to operate a fare-free shuttle between Coquina Beach and the business district. The CRA-funded EZ Parking-shuttle service program was created to alleviate parking issues in the district.
The commission has been discussing a proposal from Easy Parking owner Josh LaRose that would include paid parking at city-owned lots between First Street North and Bridge Street, the city hall lot at 107 Gulf Drive N. and an unpaved lot between Church and Highland avenues near the police department.
The discussion also included paid parking on Bridge Street.
The commission is interested in paid parking as a way to generate revenue and increase the city’s reserves.
According to estimates from city attorney Ricinda Perry, projected revenue in a year for 56 spaces at a rate of $3.50 per hour for 12 hours a day with an estimated occupancy of 85% would yield the city $744,902, with a share for the city of $469,288.
During the more than three-hour meeting Sept. 15, commissioners heard from eight speakers on paid parking, most of them opposed, particularly on Bridge Street. Also, commissioners received a petition opposing paid parking of more than 360 signatures, including those of Bridge Street employees and visitors.
Angela Rodocker, owner of Bridgewalk Resort on Bridge Street, spoke in favor of paid parking but against EZ Parking as the vendor.
“I am going to be the outlier because I am not against it. I actually believe it would be valuable for our city,” Rodocker said. “I’m sorry, Josh, but I don’t believe that EZ parking is the right company to move forward with.”
She also cautioned against not shopping for the best company to run the program.
“You are faced, as a commission, to make a decision today with where we go with this and I say let’s keep looking at it. I believe this is a viable way to get money into the city,” Rodocker said.
After public comment, commissioners discussed alternatives and agreed there should be more community involvement.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh motioned to deny direct negotiations with EZ Parking for the terms outlined. Commissioner Jake Spooner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Commissioners agreed to hold a work meeting to get input from merchants and employees of the Bridge Street area on the issue.
Commissioner Ralph Cole, a proponent of seeking bids from the beginning, said he favored more research.
“In listening to everybody, I think we should look at this a little more,” Cole said. “As I said before, I would like to look at our other options. If we are going to do this, we need to do it right.”
The next commission meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive S.