A proposal by the city of Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson could eliminate free parking for the first hour in the Cayuga and Green Street garages downtown. While this change would generate $200,000 for the city’s budget, it would be detrimental for businesses on The Commons.

The cheap price of parking on The Commons encourages members of the campus community with cars to visit the downtown area. Members of South Hill tend not to drive to other shopping districts like Collegetown in part because parking is expensive and limited.

Businesses on The Commons depend on local consumers, so the city should do all it can to get people to venture downtown. Eliminating free parking could discourage visitors from making short trips and errands that otherwise would not cost shoppers any parking fees. Others might choose to go to other plazas and shopping areas with free and easier parking, instead of local businesses.

The city of Ithaca is encouraged to find alternative revenue for the budget within reason. The area is already losing businesses because the national downturn is hitting the local economy. The city should try to help local merchants survive in this time of unemployment, decreased consumer spending and uncertainty.