Parkers, prepare for some rate hikes
New parking rates will go into effect Wednesday in some lots in downtown Coeur d'Alene. (RALPH BARTHOLDT/Press file)
Motorists looking for a place to park in some Coeur d’Alene lots will soon see a price hike.
Starting Wednesday, the lot at 401 E. Front St. by McEuen Park will change from free two-hour parking to a $1 fee for each hour.
Parking at Independence Point’s public lot, 105 Northwest Blvd., will increase from $2 per hour to a seasonal charge of $3 per hour.
Boats are not immune to the rate changes. Beginning Wednesday, parking your boat at the Marina slips will cost $2 per hour, with an increase to overnight moorage.
Downtown street access is still mostly free for two-hour parking, and the new parking garage at 318 Coeur d’Alene Ave. is also free for the first two hours, followed by a $1-per-hour fee.
Parking downtown after 6 p.m. is also still free, and people can still park downtown on Sundays for free.
The City Council reached a split vote on the increase, 3-3, on Feb. 5. Mayor Steve Widmyer cast the tiebreaking vote to approve the hike.
A citizen petition claiming 5,800 signatures was presented to the Council during its Feb. 19 meeting. Six residents spoke during the public comment session of that meeting, all expressing either opposition to or concern with the price increase.