GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — City leaders are considering a residential parking permit program for the Southwest Neighborhood near John Ball Zoo.
Under the plan, residents would pay $30 a year for a permit and could pay $2 a day for a visitor permit for a limited number of visitors.
Some neighbors in the area said they do not like the idea.
“I mean, I live here and we already pay rent. So, I don't feel like we should have to pay to pay parking on public streets,” said resident Josie Staffuer.
Others who visit the neighborhood often would feel bad if a loved one or friend would have to pay for their permit.
13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with one person sharing that concern, Dennis Coyne.
He said he visits the neighborhood often to help his sister-in-law with her garden. He added that he parks on the street when he visits.
"I would not like the idea," said Coyne. "I could park in our driveway. But that would be an inconvenience for the people walking up and down to the sidewalk."
The same goes for nanny Milena Koprivica, who learned about the possible plan on Tuesday morning from the family she works for.
"I think it's just a headache. Because we're, you know, the zoo's right there. And these parks are right here. So it would just cause people to walk further if they're not able to pay for parking,” Koprivica said.
This is a proposal and you can still voice your support or concerns.
A hearing is going to be held on Thursday at noon at the Ryerson Auditorium.
Editor's note: After 13 ON YOUR SIDE published this story, a representative from John Ball Zoo reached out to us requesting that we clarify the zoo has nothing to do with this proposal.
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