Free parking pilot program to begin November in Raleigh: Downtown Economic Development Strategy [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The push to make parking free in downtown Raleigh appears to have some traction.

On Tuesday, Raleigh city leaders approved a pilot program introducing free, two-hour parking at the five city-owned parking decks downtown. The pilot program would apply between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding special events. It’s set to begin on November 15.

“Just massive for us as retailers restaurant owners, bar owners, museums,” said Pam Blondin, owner of gift shop Deco Raleigh.

Blondin’s shop is a short walk from several of the decks that will soon become free and she says the holiday season is crucial to making it through the rest of the year — accounting for more than 20% of her yearly sales.

“If that’s a failure, if there is something that’s keeping people from coming down, that doesn’t just mess up our December, it messes up the entire next year,” …