IOP planners OK parking pass for residential areas

ISLE OF PALMS -- The city Planning Commission unanimously recommended tonight a $65 seasonal pass for those who wish to park on streets outside the commercial area from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through September.

If approved by City Council, up to 1,000 of the passes would be issued starting in 2013. The commission vote was the latest development in the city's three-year effort to address complaints from residents who say beachgoers disrespect their property.

Some commissioners seemed to favor delaying a decision on the issue, but others pushed for resolution.

"I think this thing has been talked to death. Make the recommendation to City Council and get moving," said Commissioner Patrick Harrington.

The city has a parking lot in the commercial district that offers a seasonal pass for $45. Daily parking is available for $7 in the business area. Those parking spaces are rarely full because beachgoers go to the neighborhoods instead since those locations are free. Many of them park on the shoulder along the ocean side of Palm Boulevard.

The commission inched its way toward a decision on the issue in a series of votes that occurred over two hours.

Details such as enforcement remain to be worked out, but there was discussion of how revenue from the passes would generate funds for part-time staffers to enforce the new requirement. There was discussion of the logistics of selling the passes, which most likely would be a windshield sticker. A $5 day pass was mentioned, but the commission left that option open.

Read more later at postandcourier.com and also in tomorrow's newspaper.