PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The city of Green Bay wants to double parking ramp rates for the Wednesday through Friday of the week of the NFL Draft.
The city says it’s necessary to cover increased staffing needs, but could it deter visitors from checking out the downtown? It depends who you ask.
Erbert & Gerbert’s remodeled its interior, making sure it was done ahead of the arrival of the 240,000 people expected to attend the NFL Draft.
“We actually put in a Packers hallway as well,” said Tyler Borth, the owner of the Erbert & Gerbert’s on Washington Street. “Try to represent Green Bay the best we can.”
Across the street, Heights Pub and Parlor has two private draft-related events booked for its upstairs.
“It’s big for Heights, it’s big for the business, it’s big for our staff,” said Bryan Baumler, the owner of Heights.
Hearing the city wants to double parking ramp rates for the draft from $1 an hour, or $12 a day, to $2 an hour, or $24 a day, was news to the businesses.
“I think maybe a little concern for the locals in town,” said Baumler. “For the fans coming from out of town, that might not be a big deal, because they might be used to that type of pricing to begin with.”
“I think that definitely could deter some people if rates are going to be going as high as we’re hearing,” said Borth.
Green Bay Public Works Director Steve Grenier says the rate increases are to cover additional staffing and maintenance needs expected with increased ramp usage during the draft.
“Anything that happens in the ramp, when you push the button and somebody responds to you, we’re going to see a lot more demand for service that way,” said Grenier. “We’re also going to have to have additional security services.”
The parking division relies on its own revenue to cover expenses, without the use of tax dollars.
“Nobody at the city is getting rich off this and we’re definitely not balancing our parking budget on this three-day event,” said Grenier. “What we’re trying to do is cover our costs.”
The city also considered raising rates for parking meters, but the cost of changing the meters and then changing them back was cost prohibitive, according to Grenier.
“If you’re in Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and what parking rates are down there — $2 an hour or $24 a day is still a bargain,” said Grenier.
Parking downtown will remain free the Saturday of the draft. Monthly ramp subscribers won’t be affected by the temporary increase.
A city committee will consider the rate increase Wednesday, with the full city council getting the final say at its meeting on April 15.
People are encouraged to consider parking in the ramps and taking free city buses to the draft campus. They will be running every 15 minutes.
Many property owners and businesses closest to the draft campus are asking at least $100 per day for parking.
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