It appears that authorities in Sioux Falls are close to abolishing free parking on weekdays and weekends.
Currently, vehicles parked in downtown Sioux Falls between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday must pay at a parking meter or risk a fine. But soon the city of Sioux Falls may force residents to pay for parking until 8 p.m.
Parking ticket machines have disappeared
A recent article in the Dakota Scout states that the City Council met with the Sioux Falls Finance Department earlier this week to discuss the downtown parking plan. Drivers can expect to have to pay for parking in the evenings and on Saturdays as early as next year.
Shawn Pritchett of Sioux Falls Finance says some drivers spend hours parking outside restaurants and stores in downtown Sioux Falls during peak hours. Extending paid parking hours will help address this problem.
“This has been requested by Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. and some of these retailers for several years – to prevent people from parking there when we already have free parking available overnight.”
Effective immediately, parking garages in Downtown Sioux Falls will be free on weekdays and after 5 p.m. on weekends. It is also unclear if all parking meters in Downtown Sioux Falls will charge drivers during the proposed extended parking hours.
Dakota News Now (with permission)
No formal decision or recommendation has been made. You can read The Dakota Scout’s latest park story on Downtown Sioux Falls by clicking here.
What do you think about paid parking in downtown Sioux Falls? Do you think parking in Sioux Falls should remain free?
Sioux Falls: Then and Now
The city of Sioux Falls has changed dramatically in recent years. Some streets, landscapes and neighborhoods look very different than they did 10-15 years ago.
Here’s a look at Sioux Falls then and now. See if you can recognize some of these old buildings, businesses and streets.
Gallery Credit: Andy Gott
The ten best restaurants in Sioux Falls
