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April 24, 2008
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Sponsored by Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
The Bay City Downtown Management Board & Development Board is located in the Commerce One Building at 901 Saginaw Street. "Stay The Day" Visitor Courtesy Parking Pass Program Launches!
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(MyBayCity Staff Photo)
New Downtown parking program is a big relief to both shoppers and shop owners! The ease of being able to park for an extended period of time (all day) without facing the consequences of either having to move your vehicle or get an ticket, offers convenience for all.
In the past, 2 hour parking was all that was allowed, not exactly a "piece of cake" for those coming downtown to shop or have lunch or visit a spa! Even getting your hair colored or a perm was a hassle. Both procedures take just over two hours and having to move your car with foil or perm rods in your hair......well.....let's just say....is not exactly "pretty"!
This program is definitely a boost for the downtown economy. When shoppers can come and "stay the day", everyone wins!
The Bay City Downtown Management Board & Development Board is located in the Commerce One Building at 901 Saginaw Street. Visit their website at http://www.downtownbaycity.com
"Were excited about this new customer based parking program. When talking with other DDA's throughout the state responsible for managing parking in their downtown's, a lot of their efforts were spent discouraging employee parking in prime parking locations, with limited success. Our Stay the Day program puts an emphasis on customers who come downtown to shop and we believe this approach will benefit both the businesses and the customers", said Candace Bales, Executive Director of the Bay City Downtown Management Board & Development Authority.
(MyBayCity Staff Photo)
"This program will be great for those who come from out of town and wish to see what Bay City has to offer. It is an asset to us as well as a business to be able to keep our customers in the stores for longer periods of time. When our customers come to Timothy's, they tend to stay all day. When our clients used to get parking tickets, we would pay it for them", says Tim Socier, Owner of Timothy's Fine Cigars located at 115 Center Ave.
"Stay The Day" visitor courtesy parking pass
(MyBayCity Staff Photo)
This program is designed to encourage Downtown Bay City visitors to stay longer downtown by simply not giving them parking tickets. A visitor just picks up a free pass at one of the downtown businesses, hangs it from their rear-view mirror, and they're now ready to Stay the Day.
(MyBayCity Staff Photo)
"This was a great idea! Customers can now come and spend the day with us. Previously, they were afraid they would get a ticket which hindered not only business but the convenience of downtown shopping as well", said Pattye Kent from The Fabric Fair.
One of the challenges of managing parking in a high use downtown area is providing consistent and convenient customer parking in front of or close to businesses. While there are numerous off-street parking solutions for people who work throughout the downtown district, some employees chose to park in the prime spaces. So one of the main reasons that parking violations are issued in a vital business district is to discourage those employees from parking in prime spaces to help guarantee plenty of parking options for customers.
The Stay The Day program was initiated in March 2008 based on a suggestion by Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner. At a November 2007 City Commission Meeting a recommendation was presented by the DDA regarding changes to the city parking ordinance. The recommendation included an increase in parking violation fines from $5.00 to $10.00, mainly so there would be a stronger deterrent for employees who park on the street. This led to a discussion by the Commission of how to discourage employees from parking in prime locations while encouraging visitors and customers to stay longer downtown. And the idea for this program was born.
Mayor Brunner recently commented, "I am happy we are going to accommodate visitors to our beautiful downtown with a pass that allows them to shop and dine without having to worry about getting a parking ticket. This will encourage visitors to stay longer and they will be able to visit more businesses. With the addition of a Farmers Market Downtown and the potential of more visitors, accommodating those shoppers will become even more important."
With the program in place just over a month, feedback from businesses and customers has been very positive. Rick Wendt owner of Gathered Traditions & G.T. Homestead states, "What a great perk for shoppers and visitors to Downtown Bay City! Our customers have expressed their appreciation for such a thoughtful and conscious effort to make them feel welcome."
The DDA will be continually monitoring this pilot program over the next few months. They will be interviewing both downtown merchants and customers to see if any adjustments need to be made to the program. All indications so far are that the program is working very well and is just another great reason for everyone to come to Downtown Bay City and Stay The Day!
Stay The Day Passes are currently available at:
For More Information On How Your Business Can Get This Exposure, Call Julie TODAY At (989) 892-8501
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