That pesky MPA is frustrating people again

Recently, the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) had their greedy little eyes on the Wynwood Arts District, currently there are no meters in that neighborhood. People can park for free at any time. There are also private parking lots that are owned by some business owners in the area and to accommodate the crowds on their gallery walk nights, these lots are open to the public and free to use.

The Wynwood business owners got together recently and managed to keep the MPA away. The MPA backed off and there are no parking meters. Here in the Grove it is a constant battle. It's a shame we can't have meter free parking here. I hear daily from people in town, even from those who indirectly benefit from the money collected, who wish the MPA would just disappear. Mayor Regalado said on many occasions when he was running for office, that he would reign in the MPA. He hasn't.

The couple shown above had a problem over the weekend, they put $5.00 in a meter on Grand Avenue, realizing that they meant to put in $1.00. Before the transaction was completed, the lady voided the transaction. But the $5.00 bill did not come out, she got this refund receipt instead, with no directions on how to get the refund.

They were quite upset and vowed never to return to the Grove, which is the reaction of most people who encounter the meters here. We suspect they do return, but they do get quite frustrated. I know that the first time I tried the new meters, I lost my money. I put the money in and no receipt came out, I just ended up parking at the Coconut Grove Bank Lot. They have a monthly rate where it costs only $45.00 per month and you can enter and leave at will and don't have to fight with meters.