The city's parking deck brought in approximately $95,000 in daily parking receipts on top of rents from monthly tenants in July, up from about $64,000 during the same month last year he said.
And, an additional $18,000 per week is being deposited in Downtown parking meters, Steckman reported.
"We are expecting a similar amount in August," he said. "It's slightly higher than we projected, so we're pleased...It's good news that our revenues are strong in this regard."
Construction on the new transportation center and city hall on South Third Street, expected to begin next month, will gobble up some of the parking at the former Perkin's site though, and the city is planning on taking steps to prevent a shortfall of parking for next summer, Steckman said.
Looking at places where more metered street parking spots could be added, along with possibly leasing another piece of land until the new city parking deck that is part of the intermodal complex is complete are both things the city is considering, he added.
While it's likely that the number of visitors during the week to Crayola will drop once school begins again, the demand for parking on weekends is expected to remain high during the fall. Steckman said that with upcoming city festivals on those days too, the city needs to continue to keep the need for parking in the center of the city in mind and take appropriate steps to ensure it's available.
During the recent Lebanese Heritage Days festival, the city parking deck filled up and had to be closed a few times until some spots were freed up, he added.
"Depending on when construction (on the new transportation center) starts, we're considering moving some city vehicles (out of the Perkin's lot)," he said.
Steckman also reported at Wednesday evening's city council meeting that the city auction held last weekend netted about $36,000.
"In the years I've seen the city auction, we had an outstanding turn out. It was very well attended," he said.
Among the notable items up for bid were a city fire truck and numerous antique city street signs, which were reportedly very popular. The truck went for $2,500, and the signs brought in a total of about $7,000.
"Some things went for a lot more than I though they would, and some things went for less than I thought they would," he added.
I wish the city well for the added parking revenue from downtown meters, but as a resident downtown, I deplore the endless traffic. I am filled with thoughts of starting a campaign to make downtown vehicle free. The 18-wheelers that go by on the way to the post office, or to cut through from Rt. 22 to Rt. 78 weaken my apartment's structure. The soot accumulates far more due to rush hour traffic and delivery vans. Wish there was a way to preserve historic character without all the traffic. It's too polluting. But I recognize the challenges, especially for workers and delivery trucks.
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