The effort to make parking free on Sundays at Balboa Park has hit a road block.
The park is facing serious economic challenges following the implementation of new parking fees by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. Those fees have led to a decline in museum attendance and increased struggles for local businesses.
The idea of free parking on Sundays was introduced by community leader Shane Harris. He asked the San Diego City Council Rules Committee to put it on the ballot, allowing voters to decide.
“It is the heart of San Diego; it was intentionally gifted to the people not to be monetized, not to be experimented with and not to be treated like a revenue patch for city hall’s budget problems,” Harris said.
However, on Wednesday, the Council voted against the idea.That’s because they’re expected to take up the issue next month, and present a free parking plan for local San Diegans, while making non residents pay.
(photo: abc 10)