San Diego residents are voicing strong opposition to the city’s recent expansion of parking enforcement, including the installation of new meters in residential neighborhoods. The move has sparked public outcry, acts of vandalism targeting parking kiosks, and calls for the city to reconsider its approach.
Neighborhood Backlash
The most vocal protests are coming from residents of Bankers Hill, Kensington, Talmadge, Normal Heights, and City Heights. Residents are objecting to the loss of free street parking they have long relied upon, particularly as the city has declined to offer residential parking permits as an alternative.
The situation has escalated to the point where parking kiosks near Balboa Park have been vandalized, resulting in an estimated $77,500 in damage. Crime Stoppers is now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to arrests in these cases.
In Bankers Hill, where meters were added in November on Sixth Avenue, resident Ashley Dudley described the situation as “completely ridiculous,” stating she would need to pay $900 a month to park in front of her building, moving her car every four hours. She noted a parking garage is available for between $200 and $250 a month.
City officials have explained that the addition of meters on streets like Sixth Avenue is intended to prevent visitors to Balboa Park from monopolizing free parking spaces.
Expanding Enforcement
Similar concerns are emerging in other neighborhoods. City officials recently notified residents in Kensington, Talmadge, Normal Heights, and City Heights about the upcoming expansion of parking enforcement. Whereas officials state the goal is to improve parking turnover and availability, some merchants worry about the impact on shoppers and employees.
The city plans to roll out new meters in Mid-City in two phases, beginning with El Cajon Boulevard the week of February 23, followed by Adams Avenue in mid-March. Signage will be covered until the meters are activated.
Concessions and Retreats
The city has already made some concessions regarding paid parking in Balboa Park, agreeing to make more lots free for city residents and to end enforcement at 6 p.m. Instead of 8 p.m. Plans for Sunday enforcement in Balboa Park have been dropped. Similar efforts to introduce paid parking or entry fees to Mission Bay Park and city beaches have also been abandoned due to public opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the new parking meters?
New meters will be added on El Cajon Boulevard from 29th Street/Kansas Street to 37th Street, on Adams Avenue from Hamilton Street to 42nd Street, and on several smaller streets intersecting Adams Avenue. Meters will also be added on Park Place, Terrace Drive, Kensington Drive, and Marlborough Drive.
What is the city’s justification for adding the meters?
City officials state the meters are needed to manage parking and prevent visitors to Balboa Park from taking up all the available free spaces on nearby streets.
Has the city offered any solutions for residents concerned about the new meters?
The city has not offered residential parking permits. Officials have stated that residents in Bankers Hill may not meet the criteria for permits, which require being severely impacted by commuter parking from a nearby facility or institution.
How will these changes to parking enforcement impact the daily lives of San Diego residents and visitors?
