Chicago soon will have the most expensive downtown parking meters in the nation.
As Chicagoans prepare for the new year, they need to also brace themselves for steeper parking meter prices. This is the last scheduled hike in Chicago Parking Meters' contract with the city.
Drivers out shopping near the Magnificent Mile couldn't believe it could go any higher.
"I think it's ridiculous," says Marla Wisuri. "They're expensive enough as they are, they shouldn't be raising the prices anymore."
"It's just getting ridiculous," says motorist Roshawn Thompson. "I parked for 36 minutes I think for like, 5 dollars. No, it was 3 dollars and 75 cents exactly."
In most of the city, hourly rates will go from a $1.75 to $2.
In the Central Business District, just outside of the Loop, the price will jump from $3.50 to $4. Inside the loop, instead of $5.75 an hour, you'll have to dish out $6.50 cents to park.
The price hike is all a part of the deal Chicago Parking Meters inked with the city back when Mayor Daley was in office. Now, drivers will be paying that price for many years to come.
Current Mayor Rahm Emanuel has ordered an independent audit of the deal, which is now largely viewed as a financial disaster.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:26:02 GMT
Seven juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Seven juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:12:56 GMT
Three men were killed and at least 10 other people were hurt -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Three men were killed and at least 10 other people were hurt -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
