ITHACA, N.Y. — The City of Ithaca is set to raise parking rates and discontinue free Saturday parking starting January 5. The new policy will increase on-street parking fees to $2.50 per hour, up from the current $1.50, impacting those who use ParkMobile and electronic pay stations. However, coin-operated meters will maintain their existing rate of $1.50 per hour.
Additionally, parking fees in city garages will rise from $1.50 to $2.25 per hour. The maximum daily rates will also see adjustments: Green St., Seneca St., and Cayuga St. garages will have a maximum of $12 per day, while the Dryden Rd. garage will charge $18 per day.
The city is making these changes in response to a $2.1 million budget shortfall and aims to generate an additional $322,000 in revenue through the revised parking rates. Ithaca officials noted that these adjustments will help ensure better turnover for parking spaces, thereby supporting local businesses and promoting more sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking, and public transit.
City Mayor Robert Cantelmo emphasized the benefits of the increased rates, which he believes will lead to more available spaces for short-term visitors. Although some local business owners have described the changes as modest, they acknowledge the potential impact on residents, particularly during the busy holiday season.