Once Private Midtown Sacramento Parking Garage Opening To The Public

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Midtown Sacramento is about to get a new public parking option as the city takes over a once-private garage, but not everyone is happy about it.

You might miss the underground parking garage at 18th and L streets in Midtown as you drive by.

"It was at one time a private lot, for just the residents only, and we actually opened it up to the public now," said Matt Winkler with the city's public works department.

The garage is the newest addition to the city's parking supply. The cost will be $3 an hour.

Isabella Faro with Eatuscany Caffe on L Street says the area is badly in need of parking, a crucial part of a growing business.

"I sometimes circle two, three times before I even find a spot," she said. "I think that you know the arena is coming up, there's going to be so many more people around this area in general, I mean I wouldn't complain."

But some, like a resident who didn't want her face shown, are left concerned.

"It's open to the public—that anybody has access to the building through the elevators," she said.

The building's management is limiting access to the building through the garage and says so far it has had no problems with residents not being able to find a spot.

It's the latest parking change in Sacramento as the arena goes up with parking revenue tied to funding, but Winkler says the point is Sacramento gets more parking. They'll only make money if they write you a ticket.

"We typically try to do cost neutral if we can. You know, we're not in it for the profit, we want to open parking supply," he said.

The city manages a number of other lots, including those owned by the state and Caltrans. The addition comes as the city is discussing increasing meter rates and expanding enforcement hours.