Carmel City Council votes to remove controversial parking meters

UPDATE: Carmel City Council votes 4 to 1 to officially remove parking meters. They have to be out by August 1, 2015 or after the Concours D’Elegance.

Carmel is apparently doing away with its controversial parking meter pilot program. However, the city still faces a parking shortage.

Sandra Backinger, the general manager of the Normandy Inn, has been trying to get rid of these parking meters since they were installed late last year, saying they ruined the ambiance of the city. Imagine her surprise when she opened the Carmel Pine Cone on Friday morning.

“It’s a win-win situation for Carmel-by-the-Sea,” Backinger said.

Guests staying at the Inn agree.

“Makes everything look cleaner,” Mike Camarillo of Turlock said. “Gives you that hometown environment that you like to come and see. Person-ability, I mean, that’s what this town is about.”

Keith Decker called the meters an eyesore. He says neighbors there want to retain that village atmosphere. That’s why he moved here.

“I just want to reiterate, when did I move to LA?” Decker said.

But the parking situation is at a standstill. At a brainstorming workshop on Tuesday, some suggestions include a shuttle bus that brings employees and guests into Carmel.

“Parking at churches,” Backinger said. “Speaking about a parking structure being built in Carmel. Sunset Center parking is now free, Lobos Vista is now free parking, but we are still in need of more available free parking.”

According to the Carmel Pine Cone, the city council is going to be taking up the issue at its July 7th meeting. We tried reaching out to city leaders. Mayor Jason Burnett is out of the country, and we haven’t heard back from Police Chief Mike Calhoun.