Parking fee to kick in for Chevy Centre patrons

By David Skolnick

The free-parking deal expires today.

YOUNGSTOWN — With city council not interested in renewing a parking contract, those attending Chevrolet Centre events can expect to pay between $5 and $10 a vehicle at USA Parking Systems decks and lots, its owner said.

That fee will take effect Saturday, Lou Frangos, USA Parking’s owner, said Thursday.

There are two nearly sold-out Trans-Siberian Orchestra shows Saturday at the center. TSO is traditionally one of the most popular shows at the center.

A majority of city council members told The Vindicator after a Wednesday meeting that they intend to not renew a contract with USA Parking to provide spaces in decks and lots for those going to events at the center.

That contract expires today.

“The city has to do what it has to do,” said Frangos, who’s willing to renegotiate the deal. “I sure hope people don’t come down Saturday and think they’ll park for free.” He said it will take time for people to get used to paying for parking.

A majority of council members said center patrons won’t object to paying a fee to park.

While Frangos is still deciding what to charge, he said it would be $5 to $10 a vehicle.

The city was paying $16,000 a month to USA Parking to provide up to 2,400 spaces in parking decks and lots for center shows.

Well-attended events have averaged about 1,200 cars in the decks and lots, city officials have said.

The city renegotiated a short-term lease earlier this month with the company to provide 950 spaces at the deck on Champion and Walnut streets, near the center, for $9,000 a month.

“Quite frankly, we thought it was a great deal for the city,” Frangos said. “I don’t make these decisions. We’ll do what they want us to do. Hopefully, it will work out for everybody.”

The city charges a 5.5 percent admission tax on most tickets to center events. Most of that money was used to pay for the parking contract.

It also can be used to help promote entertainment in the downtown area and at the center, something council members anticipate happening.

The city reduced that amount from 9.5 percent a few months ago.

skolnick@vindy.com