City leaders in Fernandina Beach heard presentations from top parking vendors, sparking heated debate on the proposed paid parking initiative.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The fight over paid parking in Fernandina Beach is far from over.
Tuesday night, city leaders and residents heard from the top three vendors competing to manage parking across the city.
The topic has become a heated debate among locals. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, some residents expressed the view that implementing paid parking is overdue, while others argue that it could negatively impact businesses and the community as a whole.
“I’m struggling to make ends meet because I’m here trying to understand what exactly you’re planning with this paid parking initiative,” remarked a resident of Fernandina who is against the proposal.
“I don’t love paid parking, but I understand the reason why we need it,” said one resident who is for paid parking.
Back in February, at a City Commission workshop, paid parking was identified as an alternative funding source.
The city put out a request for proposal for parking management services and received seven applications from parking vendors.
Tuesday night, commissioners and city residents heard from the top three parking vendors selected.
Elite Parking Services of America, North Florida’s largest parking management company, is based out of Jacksonville.
“We’re local,” said Dane Grey, with Elite Parking Services of America. “We have a vested interest in your guys’ success.”
One Parking Inc., a company based in West Palm Beach, oversees over 200 locations across the nation. Mark Pratt from One Parking Inc. mentioned, “Selecting the optimal operation method that aligns with the city’s needs.”
SP+ parking, a subsidiary of Metropolis, the largest parking network in America. “We own, develop, operate all of our software, everything,” said Ryan Grulich, with SP+.
After hearing the presentations, some residents like Paul Lore, still stand against paid parking in the city.
“There’s nothing that’s gonna be good about this for the citizens of Fernandina beach, absolutely zero,” said Paul Lore, a Fernandina Beach resident. “Three companies all wanting to make money trying to make like they’re tied to Fernandina, they understand fern, all three companies don’t understand.”
While other long-time residents like Tony Crawford said it’s long overdue
“Do I want to pay for city parking? No and most of you guys don’t either. Do you want your taxes to go up? Cause one way or another you’re gonna pay,” said Tony Crawford, a Fernandina Beach resident.
“We sort of hired the commission to make these hard decisions and they have to go back and go over the whole thing and try to come up with a plan either way,” said Crawford. ”Whether they approve of it or disapprove of it.”
According to the city’s deputy manager, the City Commission will continue to review and evaluate the top 3 proposals.
The city commission is expected to announce which company is selected at its August 5th meeting.
