Santa Ana to increase parking rates at garages, meters

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Parking in downtown Santa Ana will soon cost you more, even double what you're used to paying.

The Santa Ana City Council voted 5-1 to increase parking rates at meters and four garages in the downtown area. The decision is drawing mixed reviews and some concern from business owners and residents.

Chris Ngo opened his men's boutique, Fourth, in the heart of downtown. He says a revitalization of the area is attracting a younger crowd to businesses like his.

"Sixteen to 25, and the kids are kind of looking for a decent deal and just trying to buy as much as their money can get," Ngo said.

With his customers' fixed budgets in mind, he's worried about the increase in parking rates. Meters will rise from 75 cents to $1.50 an hour. Garages will also increase from $1 to $1.50 an hour.

"That's kind of rough, that's almost close to L.A.," Ngo said. "Right now, it's good, because it's like a quarter for 20 minutes."

A city staff report shows meter rates haven't increased since 2003. For garages, it's been more than 20 years. The additional parking revenue will go toward improving the downtown area.

"Police officers and lighting, and aesthetics, and a bike-share program, modernize the garages and make sure that people have an amazing opportunity when they come to downtown Santa Ana," said city manager David Cavazos.

He says people who don't want to pay can always park in a garage and validate in stores after buying something. But, some say the change may keep them from even stopping in downtown.

"I'm sure there's similar businesses in other cities on the Main Street," said Jacob Scherer, who lives in Garden Grove. "I know in Garden Grove there is, and it's free parking there."

The meter rate is set to increase on October 1. The garage rate will increase in July 2016, after improvements are made.