San Diego County supervisors voted yesterday to have staff explore opening underused county parking garages to the public after hours, a move officials say could free up roughly 800 additional spaces in the heart of downtown. The study will review rates and hours as county leaders weigh how to offer more affordable options to residents and eventgoers.
Board Orders Study Of Three County Garages
The 4-0 vote directs county staff to examine whether the Ash Street Parking Garage, the Cedar-Kettner structure and the James R. Mills Building can be opened to the public outside regular employee hours. According to KPBS, Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office estimates the three facilities contain more than 800 spaces that often sit empty on evenings and weekends. Supervisors said the change could expand options for downtown diners, nightlife and sports fans without building new parking lots.
Options Include Lower Rates, Transit Passes And Shuttles
The motion asks Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton to review current pricing and hours, work with local organizations on outreach, and evaluate incentives such as discounted transit passes, parking packages or shuttle services. NBC 7 reported that staff recently presented details on available space, existing contracts and revenue agreements to an ad hoc subcommittee before the vote. Any proposal brought back to the board would include an annual update on facility use and revenue changes.
Officials Say Garages Already Exist, Revenue Could Follow
Anderson framed the proposal as a way to cut downtown parking costs while bringing in new revenue for the county. “This is money slipping through our fingers that’s hurting everybody,” he said, as reported by 10News. He added that more convenient parking could keep Padres fans and other visitors downtown longer, which he said would benefit restaurants and nightlife.
Contracts And Logistics Could Slow Any Changes
County staff note the garages are managed by private operator ACE Parking, so expanding public access would likely require negotiating rates and amending contracts and security arrangements. Documents and reporting cited by county staff show the board asked for a staff plan and timeline to be returned to supervisors. According to KPBS, that plan would include an annual report on facility use and revenue if the study moves forward.
Local Reaction
Downtown resident Jerell Hamilton told 10News that finding parking can be a pretty big hassle, a sentiment many downtown drivers would likely second. Business groups said additional, lower-cost spaces could help boost foot traffic on event nights. Still, supervisors have only authorized a study so far; any actual openings will depend on the results of staff negotiations and possible contract changes with ACE Parking, NBC 7 notes.
