News 12 at 6 o'clock, February 4, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- Parking meters for downtown Augusta are no longer being considered, but stronger enforcement of current parking limits is now in the works, the Downtown Development Authority said Thursday.

The announcement came during one of two public meetings on the parking issue. For months, people have weighed in on the idea of adding meters to some downtown spaces and charging up to $1 an hour.

"You know they tried to destroy our town a long time ago and they almost succeeded," restaurant owner Charles Ballas said.

"We're beginning to come back to life again and they want to kill us by putting parking meters in again. Ain't nobody going to pay 50 cents an hour to come down here and park," he said.

Others say meters would stop shoppers and especially employees from tying up spots all day. Meters would mean the spots turn over faster, freeing up more spaces for visitors.

But response to the idea was negative enough that the DDA has decided on a different strategy.

"What we need is managed parking. So we listened people said no meters," said Margaret Woodard.

The group is looking at ways to better enforce the two hour parking limit, which is already posted for many spots downtown.

The current $20 fine could be raised to $25. Five workers would be hired to step up enforcement, and a new system of sensors would keep tabs on how long a vehicle has been parked.

But some business owners say time limits are the wrong move to attract people.

"We want people to enjoy their experience downtown not have the fear of getting a 25 dollar or 20 dollar ticket," said Jeff Gorelick who owns a department store.

Others say more eyes on the street would be a good thing. "Put them walking blue coats back on the street again. I want to see them walking on the street so you don't have people getting mugged around the corner," Ballas said.

The Augusta Commission still has the final say on any changes to parking rules downtown.