A recent Columbia City Council meeting brought about the idea of extending the hours that parking meters are enforced through the city. Currently, the majority of meters are monitored and enforced 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (in Five Points).

The proposal would extend those hours to 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Also with this proposal is the idea of charging a $5 flat fee for overnight parking (in after 6 p.m., out before 6 a.m.).

Why the request for a change? To cycle more cars in and out of spots, and to get Columbia on the same page as other cities similar in size. Charleston, for example, enforces their meters 9 a.m.-10 p.m. six days a week – and they have higher meter fees (another thing Columbia is considering increasing).

If approved, the Five Points neighborhood would become the trial area before brining on the rest of downtown Columbia.

We were curious about y’all’s thoughts on the possible changes, and asked for your opinions on Instagram and Facebook. To no surprise, we got an overwhelming number of responses not in favor of the idea – and only a couple in favor. Here is what a few of you said:

No

Less people would visit downtown! Terrible idea! Repair our roads in SC. –@juliehilburnpayne

It would ruin the small town feel of Columbia! One thing most comment about when visiting is how nice it is that parking isn’t expensive DT!!! And are amazed. 🤗 Don’t change. –@luci_d

The idea stinks. If this notion comes to fruition, there MUST be more spaces available to the public. There needs to be adequate accommodations. Otherwise the parking shortage crisis would rise to astronomical levels. Chaos. –@lukethreatt

Don't do it! 9 to 9 is stupid. Have to get up during dinner and feed the meter or find another space. –@pinkflamingoreg

I understand the need to address the parking issue in 5 PTs, but this feels more like punishing those of us that are permanent members of our community and want to support local business in 5 PTs and on Main St. Parking is absolutely outrageous in Charleston - I hope we never, as a city, feel the need to charge that to park. We are not a city full of deep pocketed tourists! –Susan A.

Terrible idea. Especially when trying to make downtown a more desirable place to hang out, shop, eat and drink. –Donnie M.

tried to shop local in 5 points yesterday but ended up getting a parking ticket. doesn't really encourage shopping if I have to keep an eye on the clock. –Rebecca M.

YES

When done correctly, charging market rate for street parking throughout the day is not just a great idea; it’s a concept proven to work and one that improves business, decreases traffic, increases city revenue, and stimulates pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as transit use. Parking is already abundant in the surrounding neighborhoods. Consider how far you’re willing to walk from the edge of a Wal-Mart parking lot to the frozen food section, and then compare that to parking two to three blocks from Five Points. I encourage city councilmen, business owners, and citizens of Columbia to read “The High Cost of Free Parking” by Donald Shoup. –@mrpurple55

I think it is an untapped market. As long as the money goes back to 5 points!! –Jillian A.

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