Traverse City Commissioners voted yesterday to replace some parking meters with electronic pay stations.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) made the request partially because thieves stole $70,000 from parking meters two years ago. They had copied meter keys and also broke open meters to gain access. Annual parking meter revenue is approximately $650,000.
The 12 pay stations will be installed in five downtown parking lots and one block of Front Street. The particular block has not been decided yet, but the DDA is considering between Cass and Park Streets.
The installation of the pay stations is considered a test basis, to see if the public is receptive. The pay stations cost approximately $162,000.
The new electronic pay stations will also give customers the option of paying by credit card.
The DDA also wants to replace another 325 parking meters to reduce the chances of theft. These are the most targeted of the 1,500 meters downtown. The cost for new meter housing is approximately $75,000.
The combined cost for both, the pay stations and new meter housing, is approximately $237,000.