Headed to KC’s River Market on weekends? Parking is still free, but not for long.
Free weekend parking in Kansas City’s River Market neighborhood will soon be a thing of the past, under a new ordinance approved by the City Council earlier this month.
Weekday parking is currently $1 an hour from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fees for the weekend, when the area typically draws large crowds, have not been set. Matthew Muckenthaler, the city’s parking program manager, said details are still being finalized, but changes will likely begin in the next several weeks.
“In coming weeks Kansas City can finally say goodbye to antique coin meters and chalked tires,” Muckenthaler said in a statement Monday evening. “The City will be announcing a series of steps that are all parts of an effort to modernize our transportation network. Drivers will benefit from increased access to parking, more clarity for delivery drivers, and enhanced technology that will make our roads and parking system more efficient, and will make our system easier for residents and visitors to understand.”
At a Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee hearing in early March, Muckenthaler said the city should no longer charge for parking during slow times while making it free during peak periods.
“This leads to frustration for everyone,” he said. “We are at the point where we must act, and we must start making changes that improve this system.”
Muckenthaler said he anticipated the change would generate about $1 million in revenue, which will fully cover expenses while also turning a few hundred thousand dollars in net profit.
Councilwoman Katheryn Shields, 4th District at-large, asked if charging on weekends would deter people from coming to the River Market.
Muckenthaler assured her that wasn’t the case, and that studies show a well-managed parking strategy increases overall satisfaction and use.
Josh Boehm, board chair for the Downtown Neighborhood Association, said even though board members were skeptical at first, Muckenthaler’s proposal ultimately sounds reasonable.
“I think residents are very much wanting to see downtown mature a little bit with respect to parking,” said Boehm, who lives in the River Market.
He said he often hears visitors voice concern about a lack of clarity on parking rules. Business owners have complained when residents who don’t want to pay for building parking take up space on the street in front of their retail space or restaurant during a full Saturday or Sunday.
Boehm also hopes this change will encourage more people to carpool, to walk and to take public transit to the River Market.
“Even though some of us might be slapped with a parking ticket here and there, I think we’re encouraged by the approach that the city’s taking,” he said.
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 12:16 PM.
