Downtown parking may include mobile permits

Story by Carol Campbell, La Grande Main Street

La Grande, Ore. — For some time, people have complained about needing extra parking time, above the “regular” two hours as posted in the downtown shopping area. While the complaints have come mostly from the hair salon, theater and restaurant patrons, there have been other instances of unrest.

After discussing several options, a proposal was made from the Organization Committee to the parking commission. For reasons related mostly to cost and loss of revenue, this proposal was rejected, but the door was left open for further discussion. This discussion led to a new possibility. It is feasible for a business to buy one or more “mobile” transferable permits. These permits would be purchased by the business and hung on the rear view mirror of a customer’s car therefore avoiding a ticket. When the customer using the permit is finished at that particular business, the permit would be returned to the business.

These permits would only be for use in the permit parking zones, not in the regular two-hour parking zones. These mobile permits may be purchased by the quarter of the year ($15 per quarter), but the best deal is to purchase them in December at a $20 discount. That is $40 for the entire year versus the $60 January – December yearly price.

Please think through this offer and let Carol know if this will help your business. If you have any questions, feel free to call Carol Campbell 541-963-2789 or email: carolc@eoni.com.

This article was obtained from La Grande Main Street’s August newsletter. For further information on La Grande Main Street visit their website http://www.lagrandemainstreet.org