Is it time to consider some amount of paid parking?

Some small tests would give us an indication of how much money could be raised to offset expenses from managing traffic and summer emergencies.

Over the last few weekends, traffic on the island has been, well, horrible. Did you miss a wedding because you could not get off the north end of the island for hours? Did you have a medical condition and just decide to suck it up rather than try to get medical attention? Or just not visit friends down there?

A few years ago the idea of paid parking on Sullivan’s Island property or on the right of ways was a “third rail” of town politics. All manner of concerns were raised. Would there be ugly signs everywhere? Would our local businesses suffer? Would this violate our value of being a friendly town helping provide beach access to all?

Before they could get a word in edgewise, the proponents of considering the idea of paid parking did not get a chance to describe the possible benefits. Maybe fewer vehicles circling around town in vain looking for a elusive parking spots. Maybe some money to help pay for our overwhelmed police department. Maybe patrons for our businesses who could visit knowing they could find a parking space, instead of going somewhere with available parking to spend their money.

I understand that “things were better in the good ole days.” Of course they were. But the outlying areas in Charleston and other nearby counties are growing like weeds, and they want to come to the beach. Particularly one where they can park for free. To ignore that growth is just to put our heads in the sand.

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