Bloomington postpones parking meters

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Members of Bloomington's City Council say they don't have enough information about a proposal to put parking meters in downtown Bloomington. Wednesday the council voted 8-1 to postpone consideration of the ordinance.

Council member Martin Spechler said, “in the future, we will need them” because new construction downtown and the demand for housing will reduce the supply of usable parking."  He added that’s true “even if the present situation is reasonably tolerable.” 

Spechler said he hopes the delay will allow certain issues to be clarified.

Council member Chris Sturbaum also said he appreciated the extra time – saying it is “respectful of the community” and “we want to get it right.”

The council listened to more public comment, decidedly negative, about the need for meters downtown. 

But, with IU considering privatization of its parking services, Bloomington's Mayor told 24-Hour News 8 the school’s plans are a factor in the city's meter debate. 

Mayor Mark Kruzan said, "the higher priced parking and differently managed parking" at the university "will produce spillover into the community."

Bloomington’s council scheduled the next hearing on the parking proposal for March 20.