Residents say meter hikes would worsen access for seniors, disabled and recovery communities

Speakers at the hearing described concrete access problems they expect if curb parking becomes more expensive and people are pushed to garages farther from destinations.

Kyle gave a personal example: his 65‑year‑old disabled mother would be less likely to attend his gym if she had to park several blocks away or navigate elevators that sometimes do not work. "That 2 block distance... for some people, that might be above from a 1 that might be 15 or 20," he said, describing how even a short extra walk can be prohibitive.

A recovery community organizer said moving meetings downtown increased attendance by 400% because of 90‑minute free parking; losing convenient, short‑term curb spaces could force those meetings to relocate and reduce local economic spillovers from attendees visiting nearby businesses.