Palm Springs mayor dispels paid parking rumors, clarifies downtown parking study focus
The comprehensive parking study, which is different from a similar one conducted three years ago, aims to examine a range of issues related to parking in Palm Springs’ bustling downtown area.
Palm Springs officials are working to clear up misconceptions about an ongoing downtown parking study, emphasizing that contrary to rumors, there are no plans to implement metered parking in the city center.
Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein addressed the issue at a meeting of downtown business leaders Tuesday morning, stating emphatically that metered parking is not in the works.
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“Metered parking is not what they’re looking at,” Bernstein said of the company conducting the study, before repeating, “Metered parking is not what they’re looking at.”
The comprehensive parking study, which is different from a similar one conducted three years ago, aims to examine a range of issues related to parking in Palm Springs’ bustling downtown area. The study is being conducted by an organization with no vested interest in the results, Bernstein said, to ensure an unbiased assessment.
“There’s a host of things that they look at,” Bernstein explained. “Do we have enough parking? Do people know how to find our parking? Is our parking safe? Is the signage good? Do we have enough employee parking?”
The study will also consider accommodations for special events, timing of parking restrictions, and potential updates to outdated parking ordinances.
One issue the mayor highlighted was the current lack of a “reparking” ordinance, which allows vehicles to simply move a short distance to avoid time limits.
“There’s a three hour parking [limit],” Bernstein said, noting that vehicle owners “can move [their car] 20 feet and leave it another three hours.”
Beyond traditional parking concerns, the study is also examining how to better integrate ride shares and public transportation into the city’s overall parking strategy.
The mayor urged residents to seek accurate information directly from city officials, expressing frustration with misinformation spreading on social media.
“If you have a question about a city thing, reach out to the mayor pro tem, myself or any council member, the city manager and ask the question, because we’re seeing a lot of misinformation out there,” he said.
A public meeting about the parking study will be conducted later this year. During the meeting, residents will have the opportunity to provide input and learn more about the city’s plans.
Bernstein emphasized that the meeting is “really a study to get people’s input not to vote yes or no on metered parking.”
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