Enterprise Funds Would Contribute To Garage Repairs, New Meters

The New Bedford City Council will consider establishing two funds aimed at improving parking infrastructure in the city.

The Council's Committee on Ordinances has reviewed and amended a motion set forth by Mayor Jon Mitchell, which would ultimately compile revenue from parking meters and parking tickets, and reinvest those monies into the downtown and Acushnet Avenue business district.

Ward Two City Councilor Steven Martins tells WBSM's "Mid-Day Live", the original proposal from the Mayor only included the downtown area, but Martins didn't see that as fair.

The Downtown and Acushnet Avenue Parking Enterprise Funds would stow away money to be used for improvements to the Elm Street and Zeiterion Theater garages, as well as replacing parking meters throughout the city with meters that accept cash as well as debit and credit cards.

There is a catch, though. It'll cost an extra 25¢ per hour at the meters, and push garage rates up to $2 an hour.