News

Dec 13, 2023

BB grabs for parking $$$$$

by Robert Anderson | one comment Motorists soon might pay to park in Bradenton

by Robert Anderson | one comment

Motorists soon might pay to park in Bradenton Beach.

At their Aug. 30 meeting, city commissioners discussed converting some of the city's free parking lots to paid parking.

Local entrepreneur Josh LaRose proposed the conversion of 56 parking spaces to an automated pay-to-park system.

LaRose, owner of Easy Parking Group LLC, manages metered parking lots in the Sarasota/Bradenton area as well as operates a fare-free shuttle for the city's community redevelopment agency.

Locations being considered for paid parking include lots between First Street North and Bridge Street, city hall at 107 Gulf Drive N. and an unpaved lot between Church and Highland avenues near the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

The implementation of metered parking would lead to more frequent turnover of spaces and revenue for the city, according to Easy Parking.

The company is offering to install solar-powered meters with no out-of-pocket cost to the city. LaRose estimated the program would need 4-6 automated parking meters that cost $12,000-$20,000 each.

He suggested a rate of $2.50-$4.50 an hour for parking. Based on his estimate of 56 parking spaces with an assumed average occupancy of 85%, LaRose estimated the program would generate $240,000-343,000 per year in total revenue.

Revenues would be split 60/40 between the city and Easy Parking Group. At 60%, the city revenue would be $144,000-$205,800 annually.

To utilize the system, a motorist would park a car, and then enter a license plate or parking space number into the meter, then display the ticket on the vehicle dashboard.

LaRose said the program might include an employee or "parking ambassador" to help motorists learn the system. The ambassador also would handle customer service and some enforcement.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said Easy Parking Group employees would be trained by BBPD to ensure compliance with laws.

The chief also said police would be responsible for larger parking enforcement issues, such as monitoring and enforcing handicapped parking.

"I like the idea of doing this. I think it's worth looking into, big time," Mayor John Chappie said of the concept.

Commissioner Jake Spooner said the commission should consider extending paid parking to Bridge Street.

Spooner, who owns Bridge Street properties and businesses, said it's common for parking spaces to be used all day by beachgoers.

"If you leave Bridge Street without it, then all the people, all the employees, they are going to load up Bridge Street," Spooner said. "I feel that you have to do Bridge Street, so you don't get people who are just parking there and going to the beach."

However, the proposal also prompted questions.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he would prefer the city seek competitive bids.

But Cole said, "For me, I do like to look at all the options. What America is all about is competition."

"For me, it is more about making sure we get the best deal for our taxpayers," he continued.

But the city's procurement policy allows purchases by negotiation on the open market, bypassing the bidding process in this instance, according to staff.

LaRose said he would work to realize the best deal. He also said the city could offer free parking to residents linked to their hurricane tags.

LaRose already works with the city's redevelopment agency, operating a fare-free shuttle between Coquina Beach and the CRA district.

The shuttle was created to alleviate parking issues in the district, which runs along Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to Fifth Street South, Bay Drive South to the east end of Bridge Street and up to the Bradenton Beach Marina, ending at Cortez Road West.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh made a motion to authorize direct negotiation between city staff and EZ parking, which was seconded by Jake Spooner.

The motion was passed unanimously.