Outrage turns to action as St. Joe adjusts controversial paid parking program

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- What began as frustration turned into applause during a packed emergency City Commission meeting in St. Joseph on Thursday. After weeks of outcry over the city's new paid parking program, local leaders voted to make immediate changes, including reducing the hours of metered parking and offering free parking passes to all City of St. Joseph residents for the lots East of Main Street.

City officials say they had originally implemented the paid parking system to ease congestion and benefit downtown businesses. But many argue it did the opposite. According to an anonymous survey of 23 local business owners, 91.3 percent reported a noticeable change in customer traffic since the program began.

At Thursday’s meeting, dozens of frustrated residents of St. Joe and surrounding communities, and business owners took to the podium to speak their minds. The crowd was so large, it spilled out of the room and into the hallway. Many people said the meters would drive both locals and tourists away, and some called for the entire paid parking system to be eliminated.

Many siting issues the changes causing issues for senior citizens, employees, and businesses on Main Street.

While surrounding neighbors shared that people have been coming out further to park, making their streets unsafe with traffic.

“Obviously it isn’t working to the degree you thought it was going to,” said one speaker. “It’s pissed off a lot of people and it’s beginning to totally destroy the nature of what this community is and has been.”

“Give free parking to people in St. Joe and quit having all these damn meetings,” said another. “Everybody out here wants free parking.”

A lawyer representing local businesses added, “Imagine if you’re a tourist and you come to St. Joe for the first time, and the welcome you are given is a ticket on your window.”

Kayla Griffith, St. Joseph’s Director of Special Projects and Communications, shared the changes shortly after the vote.

She said that based on the volume of input from residents and business owners, the city decided to shorten the paid parking season, reduce the hours of enforcement, and offer free parking in all city lots for St. Joseph residents.

While it will take time to update signage, the adjustments based on community feedback will be implemented right away.

Residents who plan to take advantage of the free parking must register their vehicles with the city.

The next St. Joseph City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 9.