The days of free parking at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on the Northshore are numbered.
Jeffrey Brown, Theatre Centre executive director, said, "I'm afraid we cannot be the free parking option in a paid district. I wish we could."
The 200-space Theatre Centre lot is next to the popular Coolidge Park and near the bustling, revitalized Northshore business district.
Mr. Brown told members of the North Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce that the charges would start at the same time the city installs parking meters nearby on Frazier Avenue and at Coolidge and Renaissance parks.
Tom Dugan, CARTA executive director, said he is making plans to place a $350,000 order for new-style parking meters.
He said it is planned for them to go along Frazier Avenue, at Coolidge Park, at the new Renaissance Park and near Ross's Landing.
Mr. Dugan said the order for 36 meters must first be approved by the City Council.
He said the 36 machines would provide coverage for 1,100 parking spaces.
The city recently asked CARTA to handle parking matters for the city, though the city will still set rates and hours.
Mr. Dugan noted that CARTA is also building a new parking garage with 250 public spaces near the corner of Tremont and Frazier.
Mr. Brown said the first priority of the Theatre Centre lot is to provide free parking spaces to patrons and employees of the Theatre Centre.
He said the facility will be available for public parking at times it is not needed for theatre patrons.
Rates have not yet been set, he said.
Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Dugan said discounted rates will be available for Northshore workers.
Mr. Dugan said CARTA has been reviewing the Desmond Company parking study made for the RiverCity Company.
He said CARTA officials have also been meeting with those affected by parking changes, including business owners.
He said the aim is "for a lot of inclusion and give and take. When decisions are made, there will be a lot of education about them. There will be no surprises."
Mr. Dugan said Renaissance Park, which opens in early June on the other side of the Market Street Bridge from Coolidge Park, will have 180 parking spaces. He said there is a possibility that a shuttle could run between Renaissance Park and the area near the Theatre Centre.
Jeffrey Brown
- Photo2 by John Wilson