Ticketing on residential permit streets in West Loop delayed for now

Local aldermen are working with police to delay implementation of new parking regulations in the West Loop while they work to get more streets approved for residential parking permits.

In December, the city passed new parking laws that raised the meter rates in the West Loop from $2 to more than $4.50 per hour from 8 a.m. to midnight, to put meters on more commercial streets, and to restrict parking from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on some streets to residents with permits.

The new rules were intended to help merchants, as free parking on area streets —84% of available parking, according to a 2016 study commissioned by the West Central Association—means fewer short-term parking spaces for patrons of local stores, restaurants and other establishments. The meters are intended to keep commuters who work in the West Loop from all-day parking on city streets.

Area residents, though, expressed concern earlier this month that too few streets are available for them. As the area booms with more luxury residential high-rise buildings charging up to $25,000 for a single parking spot, people who live in the neighborhood complained they were being squeezed into what was essentially just another fee for living in Chicago. Earlier this month they expressed their concerns at a meeting sponsored by Aldermen Walter Burnett Jr., Byron Sigcho-Lopez, and Jason Ervin, and the West Central  Association.

In response to those concerns, Burnett said he would introduce a city ordinance adding more residential streets, as yet unnamed, to the permit program.

The aldermen are on board working with the Department of Finance and the Police Department to delay enforcement and ticketing on residential-permit-parking for now.