Politics & Government
Neighborhood Council Opposes End of Free Parking at Westfield
The mall could start charging customers for parking as soon as fall of 2013.
Westwood Neighborhood Council members formally opposed Westfield Century City's decision to end free parking during their monthly meeting last week.
The mall will eliminate its three-hour free parking policy and could start charging customers to use the garage as soon as fall of 2013.
Some board members worried Westfield's decision would lead to higher rates at nearby garages, like the one at Westside Pavilion, which currently offers three hours of free parking.
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"They're set up for it so it’s just a matter of time," Connie Boukidis said.
Boukidis also expressed concern that Westfield's decision to ditch free parking would encourage shoppers to park in nearby neighborhoods.
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See more: Few Parking Alternatives Exist for Westfield Century City Shoppers
Board member Angus Beverly is one of many shoppers who frequented the mall mainly because of its free parking policy.
"A lot of us go there because of the free parking aspect," Beverly said.
The mall has yet to reveal the new rates, though Los Angeles Planning Commission documents say the parking "shall be provided for patrons at market rates consistent with rates charged at nearby offices and hotel buildings and/or similar shopping centers in Los Angeles during all hours of operation."
"As far as policy goes in these economic times, I don’t care for it," Boukidis said.
How do you feel about plans to increase parking rates at Westfield Century City? Tell us in the comments section below.
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