KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — New parking payment kiosks along the Kalamazoo Mall have been removed as city crews address technical problems and make sure they meet federal accessibility guidelines.
The parking machines, which city announced a few ago would would be in operation, are part of a strategy to draw more people to the Kalamazoo Mall, city officials say.
“(The) stations, when they were in, didn’t quite meet Americans with Disability Act (requirements), so all the bases are being redone to make absolutely sure that they all meet ADA,” Kalamazoo parking and mobility consultant Rob Bacigalupi said.
Bacigalupi added there was a technical problem: The machines were not communicating properly with the apps people can use to pay to park. He said the kiosks could be back up and running by late this month or early November.
City officials say the idea behind the downtown parking strategy is to create more turnover along the Kalamazoo Mall, thereby bringing in more visitors to shops and restaurants. The on-street parking costs $2 per hour and is limited to 90 minutes.