HUNTINGTON BEACH : Residential Parking Meter Plan Scrapped

The City Council this week officially scrapped plans to install 850 parking meters in residential neighborhoods near the beach after angry protests by residents.

Critics overflowed two previous town hall meetings to attack the city plan for meters to be placed a block inland from Pacific Coast Highway to Walnut Avenue, from 5th to Golden West streets.

Residents contended that the meters would cause visual pollution and that the plan was just another way for the city to raise money.

Citing overwhelming opposition, the City Council voted unanimously Monday against proceeding with the plan. City Administrator Michael T. Uberuaga said officials have no intention of resurrecting the residential parking meter program.

A handful of residents, who said their homes and driveways on 22nd Street are being overwhelmed by beach-goers, pleaded for the installation of meters.

“We need the protection of our environment,” resident Ken Walsh said.

His neighborhood is near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Golden West Street, making it particularly inviting for beach-goers in search of free parking, Walsh said.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said he will meet with Walsh and the other 22nd Street residents to try to find a solution to the problem, including placing meters in front of four homes or restricting parking during certain hours, he said.

Hagan said the ill-fated parking meter proposal came in response to residents’ complaints about the impact of beach-goers’ parking on their neighborhoods. But after the outpouring of criticism, Hagan said that individual problems can be dealt with by enforcing codes.