The city of San Diego is again scaling back its plan to charge residents to park in Balboa Park after the rollout received widespread pushback from residents and local leaders.
Starting Monday, San Diego residents -- who are verified via an online portal -- may park for free all day at seven of the 12 lots in Balboa Park. Five lots considered "premium" will continue to have a fee, although verified residents will pay half-price through the portal.
The city also scaled back paid parking hours. Previously set to end at 8 p.m., parking enforcement will now begin at 8 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
And, after complaints regarding parking for those with disabilities, drivers with a disabled-person license plate or placard may park for free all day at any available spot in the lots and on park roads, along with blue ADA spaces.
Earlier this month, Gloria backed off some of the parking fees instituted in January, citing overwhelming negative feedback to the plan. While the changes will likely win favor immediately amongst San Diegans, they portend some bad tidings in the near future.
The city's budget last year was balanced on speculative revenue sources such as the parking in Balboa Park, which was postponed for months, likely costing the city millions.