Update: As of August 17, 2010, city parking authorities have not corrected the problem, 7 months after I first posted on this topic and 9 months since these free parking spaces became available. Based on continual use of these spaces--and parking spaces in Streeterville are precious indeed--the city has already missed out on $79,000 in revenue, and counting. (9 spaces x 13 hours x 2.50/hr. x 270 days) And we wonder why our city is flat broke.
That’s right. For 9 lucky parkers, the morass of out-sourced 75 year parking contracts, sky-rocketing hourly rates and finicky meters don’t exist. What could be the source of this tiny oasis in a city where downtown parking costs more than New York? Simple bureaucratic incompetence, of course. When the Streeter Place apartments recently opened, it appears the city—or is it Chicago Parking Meters, LLC?—didn’t get the memo.
So, anyone heading down around the Mag Mile/Navy Pier area should take a spin along the west side of McClurg between Grand and Ohio. If you’re parking karma is properly aligned, you just might snag one of the premier free spots in town.
X Marks the Spot.
So, anyone heading down around the Mag Mile/Navy Pier area should take a spin along the west side of McClurg between Grand and Ohio. If you’re parking karma is properly aligned, you just might snag one of the premier free spots in town.
X Marks the Spot.
It won’t last forever, but the free parking has been available for over 2 months now, and counting. And if you do get a space, maybe you should invest some of the money you saved on a lottery ticket or two.
