Last month, the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) got rid of solar-powered parking meters in favor of using the Parkmobile app to pay for parking in downtown Athens.
Those wishing to park downtown can download the app by scanning the QR code on a sign in front of each metered parking spot.
However, in the first few weeks since these signs have been active, many of the signs have been cut from the poles. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) is actively investigating the vandalism of these signs.
ACCPD told WUGA there are active warrants on two individuals for criminal trespassing and damage to government property. Both charges would be felonies. So far, no arrests have been made.
David Lynn, who is the director of planning and outreach for the ADDA, spoke with WUGA last month about the new parking efforts. He explained why they transitioned away from using the older meters.
“We can no longer obtain parts, keep them maintained and we don’t have the labor that we used to,” Lynn said. “It’s a fairly labor intensive operation to maintain 800 parking meters that were powered by solar power.”
Spaces can be paid for up to two hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the new meters. Additional time can be purchased after 6. People may also pay directly on Parkmobile’s website if they choose not to use the app.
For those preferring to use cash or pay directly with a credit card, the ADDA suggests parking in either the College Avenue or Washington Street parking garages. The first hour in both of these decks is free.
For more information on downtown Athens parking, head to https://downtownathensga.org/parking/.
