KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville officials will present their proposed parking plan Thursday afternoon, which includes changes like raised ticket prices and a flat rate charge on Saturdays at Market Square Garage.
The plan would go into effect in February 2025 and would consist of several changes. Nights and weekends will remain free, with the exception of Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. which would have a $3 flat fee.
Ticket prices would also increase. Tickets for meter ordinances and overtime parking would increase from $11 to $26. Tickets for parking in a "no parking zone" or a "restricted zone," or for improper parking, would increase from $16 to $26. Tickets for parking in a fire lane would also increase from $26 to $36.
The city would also move away from meters and towards new technology, which could include parking apps.
Scott Schimmel, who owns Bliss on Gay Street, said he thinks the decision to add a charge to Saturday parking at Market Square Garage was reasonable.
"I think the public spoke, and I'm glad the city has listened because it really sounds like there's going to be very little change to free nights and weekends," he said. "Other than the change to Market Square Garage which I think is probably the right decision."
Free parking is a crucial aspect of attracting people to downtown, he said.
“To give people the idea that it's going to be inexpensive or free to come down here and park, I think is still something the city needs — or the downtown merchants need it to continue to attract people downtown," he said.
Bunnie Presswood owns Union Avenue Books, right next to Market Square Garage. She's worried implementing fees could deter folks from coming downtown. Implementing a parking app could also cause issues, she said.
“For people who are young and have grown up using that, I think it is probably really easy," she said. "But older people have trouble using their phones, much less trying to do the parking on their phone.”
Despite these changes, she said parking in Knoxville is still easier than in many other cities in the Southeast.
Presswood's concerns remain in place for her employees who have to pay to park daily for work, she said. The businesses can't afford to pay the fees for their employees downtown.
"It would be nice to give businesses vouchers or something for the employees," she said. "Just something to recoup the cost that they're paying in these parking lots.
The full proposed plan is available online. The Knoxville City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday to discuss it.