A group of downtown York business owners are lobbying against a city plan to impose 24-hour parking fees at city-owned garages Monday through Saturday. Sundays would remain free. The merchants have started an online petition after learning of a change to downtown parking that is expected to begin in January 2025.
The online petition, directed towards York City Council President Edquina Washington, Vice President Betsy W. Buckingham, Mayor Michael Helfrich and council members Teresa Johnescu and Elizabeth Bupp, outlines the city’s plan for a 24-hour parking enforcement at all three city-owned garages.
The petition states that if enforced, this “will be a major blow to the local economy and to our ability to continue serving the community.”
“For years, we’ve worked hard to keep downtown vibrant and welcoming, even as economic challenges and declining foot traffic have weighed on our businesses. One of the few things that has helped us stay afloat has been the city’s support in offering free parking in city garages after hours and on weekends,” the online petition states.