Chicago gates several beach parking lots
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Parking on Chicago's lakefront just got more automated — and in some cases, more expensive.
Driving the news: The city installed new gates at 10 lakefront spots run by the Chicago Park District, using technology that reads your license plate and tracks when you arrive and leave.
Friction point: Folks used to sitting in their car and staring out at the lake for free could be in for a buzz kill.
- All drivers — even those who stay in the car — face charges of $4.07 to $23.39 after a 15-minute grace period.
The intrigue: Unlike the Park Chicago meters — with generally lower fees — the money collected at these 10 lakefront lots goes to the Chicago Park District, not the latest purchaser of the wider swath of city spots Mayor Richard M. Daley sold off.
What they're saying: "Lakefront parking lots have been paid lots since May 2009. That is not a new policy," park district officials told Axios in a statement.
- "The recent changes, including an automated gate system, simply modernize how payment is managed and enforced. Importantly, parking rates have not increased as a result of these upgrades."
The other side: Some people have complained about the change on social media calling it "crazy."
- But park district officials tell Axios they notified "local park advisory councils and nearby stakeholders, including aldermanic offices."
- They also note that the 15-minute grace period didn't technically exist under the previous system.
Zoom in: The 10 beaches affected include: Waveland, Wilson & DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Foster Beach, 55th & South Shore Drive, Oakwood & DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Museum of Science & Industry – Lots East & South, Rainbow Beach North and South, 63rd Street Beach and the Diversey Driving Range.
- North Avenue Beach already had a gate but got a new one along with the technology.
My thought bubble: We tested the system at Foster Beach on a recent night — and within minutes of driving in and out, we got a text message prompting us to pay through the Metropolis parking system.
- We didn't get charged because of our short stay, but it still felt kind of big brotherish.
What's next: Park district officials expect the new automated system to generate about $9.4 million in revenue this year.
- We'll be watching to see how many people decide to take micro-beach breaks this summer, where they park in the lots for 14 minutes and then scram.