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Why Parking Around Cincinnati Is About To Get More Expensive

Bill Rinehart
/
WVXU
Parking meter rates will increase by 50 cents in 28 neighborhoods and up to 75 cents in parts of Over-the-Rhine.

You might need to start carrying more than just a handful of spare change when you head out for a night on the town across Cincinnati.

Beginning in August, parking rates are increasing in 28 neighborhoods by up to .50 cents, and in Over-the-Rhine, some areas will see a .75-cent hike. Want to go to a Bengals game and skip a parking garage? That’ll be a $15 flat rate at 414 meters near Paul Brown Stadium. Meter hours are being expanded, too, in neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout and Northside.

Revenue from parking rate increases is projected to add up to $2.5 million for the city, with the hopes of helping to cover a $32 million budget deficit. But local businesses aren’t thrilled with the prospect - more expensive parking could mean fewer visitors and less spending.

Joining Cincinnati Edition to talk about the parking deal and what it means for the local business economy are Cincinnati Enquirer city hall reporter Sharon Coolidge (@SharonCoolidge), Over-the-Rhine Community Council President Maurice Wagoner, and WCPO transportation and development reporter Pat LaFleur (@pat_lafleur).

Tune in to Cincinnati Edition July 12 at 1 p.m. to hear this segment. 

Maryanne Zeleznik is responsible for all news and public affairs programming at WVXU. She also hosts Morning Edition Monday through Friday.