Princeton council reviews first major parking-rate overhaul since 2019; staff proposes new zones and higher Spring Street fees

Deanna Stockton, deputy administrator of the Department of Infrastructure and Operations and municipal engineer, presented a sweeping update to Princeton’s parking rules and fees on June 8, saying the changes are intended “to encourage turnover in the most desirable spaces, keep more remote parking more affordable, review our rates regularly, and use parking revenue to support public improvements and municipal services.”

Stockton told the mayor and council that Princeton has not changed most parking rates since 2019 while operating costs and demand have increased. She said the parking utility’s expenditures rose about 16% between 2021 and 2025 and identified drivers including staffing, utilities, parking‑app costs, transit support and streetscape maintenance.

Key elements of the proposal include creating higher‑priced inner three‑hour zones where demand is strongest and lower‑priced outer three‑hour zones to encourage distribution across the system; retaining the existing 90‑minute zone; and keeping an all‑day parking option at lower cost for those willing to park farther from the central business district. For the Spring Street garage Stockton recommended a simpler schedule with a daytime rate of $2 per hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., a maximum daytime charge of $28, and a flat overnight rate of $5 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. She also proposed increasing the monthly Spring Street garage permit from $180 to $225 and formally codifying up to two hours of library validation parking.

Stockton said staff would introduce a draft ordinance on June 22, 2026, hold a public hearing July 13, and not make the rates effective until Sept. 1 to allow time for implementation and outreach.

Council members asked detailed questions about how the changes would affect specific corridors and residents. One councilmember asked whether Nassau Street east of Harrison — a tight corridor where staff said servicing meters is difficult — would remain all‑day parking and if meters would be removed; Stockton responded the area would remain an all‑day zone but would no longer be metered because servicing costs exceeded meter revenue.

Several members raised equity concerns and asked how revenue increases would be allocated. Council discussion cited transit improvements, such as the Loop Express, enhanced streetscape and additional trash collection as possible uses of parking revenue; members emphasized the principle of reinvesting parking receipts in the district where they are collected. One councilmember noted the consumer‑price index had risen substantially since rates were last changed and urged more frequent reviews of parking fees.

Members also flagged a longer‑term capacity issue: the Spring Street garage has had a waiting list in the past (council referenced a list of roughly 150 people), and several speakers urged the town to study leasing and structural options for additional capacity alongside rate changes.

No final vote on the parking ordinance was taken that evening; staff will proceed with the ordinance introduction on June 22 (per Stockton’s recommendation) unless council directs a change in schedule. The council indicated it may hold additional targeted outreach or a public session for businesses and residents before formal introduction.

What’s next: the draft ordinance is scheduled for introduction on June 22; a public hearing and possible adoption are set for July 13. Staff estimated an effective date of Sept. 1 for new rates if adopted.