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Music-lovers who attend Jazz on the Green in Turner Park should be aware that different parking meter rules apply at Midtown Crossing than downtown.
Some concert-goers have returned to their vehicle after a Thursday evening concert to find a $16 parking ticket on their windshield.
Unlike downtown, metered parking at Midtown Crossing, southeast of 33rd and Dodge Streets, is enforced until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Parking at meters is free downtown on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends. But the Midtown Crossing developers asked the city for longer enforcement hours to help create parking turnover for the development's shops.
The agreement applies to all 275 meters in Midtown Crossing — on Farnam Street and in the circular drive between Dodge and Farnam Streets.
Todd Pfitzer, city traffic engineer, said the city has gotten some complaints from people who received parking tickets while at Midtown Crossing. Pfitzer said the city has not targeted the area for extra parking enforcement, and the meters indicate the enforcement times.
Nonetheless, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 8, 15, and 22 — all nights for Jazz on the Green — a total of 55 people received parking tickets in Midtown Crossing.
The Jazz on the Green series traditionally was on the grounds of the Joslyn Art Museum, but the concerts moved this year to Turner Park.
Here's where to park to avoid a ticket:
• Garage parking: 3,000 spots are available in two garages at the development. People can park there for free at any time for the first three hours, and it's $1 per hour after that.
Molly Skold, marketing director for Midtown Crossing, said the parking arms to the garages remain up on Thursdays to make it easier for concert-goers. There are plenty of signs to direct drivers where to go, she said.
• Shuttles: To avoid the parking problem completely, catch the free event shuttle from downtown. For more information, go to www.midtowncrossing.com/community/EventShuttle.aspx.
• The meters: It's $1.25 an hour to park at a meter. Those who forget to feed the meters could end up with a $16 ticket.
Thursday's lineup: The Prairie Cats and Grand Marquis will perform. The free show starts at 7 p.m., and the venue opens for seating at 5 p.m. The concert series will continue on Thursdays until Aug. 12.
Contact the writer:
444-1543, sarah.reinecke@owh.com
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