Naperville parking fees to double?

Commuter parking permit fees in Naperville could soon double, city officials said this week, marking the first increase in 13 years.

"The current fees are very economical and we're just looking at the opportunity to move those fees a little bit higher," City Manager Pro Tem Bob Marshall said Tuesday.

The proposed increase, which would help fund capital projects related to transportation, could go into effect as early as this summer.

But the proposal, which stemmed from a parking fee study conducted by the city, first must be reviewed by Naperville's Transportation Advisory Board and then approved by the city council.

The city operates four commuter parking lots at the downtown and Route 59 Metra stations that provide 3,187 total spaces. The spaces include permit, daily fee and handicapped spots.

Naperville's fees, last increased in 1995, are the lowest of any along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, which average $90 per quarter for residents, based on the city's study.

At the Parkview and Burlington lots, the city's current $60 quarterly fee would jump to $120. At the Kroehler lot, residents pay $50 and non-residents pay $55 quarterly. Under the new plan they would pay $110 and $120 respectively.

Naperville and Aurora each operate a lot at the Route 59 station. Naperville residents pay $60 while nonresidents pay $65. In the Aurora lot, all commuters pay $66.

Both cities are considering fee increases. Naperville is proposing a charge of $120 for residents and $130 for nonresidents while Aurora would charge a flat $120 fee.

Proceeds generated by parking permit fees are earmarked for commuter-related expenses and improvements.

Future projects include construction and operation of the 95th Street Park and Ride, reconstruction of stairways on Washington Street, concrete repairs at the commuter lots and the downtown station, and ongoing maintenance of the lots and station.

While Naperville's commuter parking fund has a surplus of just less than $2.1 million, the projects are expected to drain this extra cash and cause a deficit in three years.

Increased fees also may help with some of the city's traffic congestion issues by encouraging commuters to take the bus.

"We have a very effective Pace bus system in which residents can get picked up in their neighborhoods and get dropped off at the Route 59 or downtown station," Marshall said. "That way we have less vehicles on our roadways and areas of our depots."

The city's Transportation Advisory Board will consider the increases at 8 a.m. Saturday at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St. The session also will include time for public comment.

The final recommendation will go before the board on April 12 and then to the city council for approval.

Naperville commuter parking fees

Commuter lot Current Proposed

Burlington $60 $120

Parkview $60 $120

*Kroehler $50/$55 $110/$120

*Route 59 $60/$65 $120/$130

*Resident/nonresident fees

Source: Naperville commuter parking permit fee study