Hamtramck, Michigan (Wxyz) – From July 1, parking in Hamtramck will be free while the municipal council voted so as not to renew its contract with the municipal parking services, the company which has operated the city counters since 2021.
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Hamtramck eliminates parking meters in the hope of stimulating local affairs
“It is simply easier for customers, and many meters did not work properly”, “ said Dan Tatarian, owner of Showtime Clothing on Avenue Joseph Campet.
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Tatarian thinks that free parking will be good for business throughout the city.
“It will bring many more people because many people called me and said they did not come because of the tickets they got,” said Tatarian.
Just below the rue de Showtime Clothing is Joy Thrift Store, where Ashour Ashour works living in Hamtramck.
Ashour says that the counters confused many residents.
“A large part of our community, most of them have probably just moved here or they do not speak the language very well, and therefore it is probably their first meeting with a meter,” Ashour said.
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The municipal council’s decision means that Hamtramck will lose about $ 200,000 in income when free parking starts next month.
“Obviously, free parking has its own challenges that residents, companies and the city will face and we will have to respond to concerns and problems”, “ said Aamir Ahsan, acting municipal director for Hamtramck.
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Despite the loss of income, city officials hope that the change will stimulate economic activity.
“We hope this will lead to more business and more customers arrive,” said Ahsan.
Tatarian shares this optimism, looking beyond immediate customer traffic.
“I hope that many independent companies come into play,” said Tatarian.
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