Parking meters to stay downtown

The Sarasota City Commission decided at 8 p.m. Monday to keep the controversial parking meters in place, despite pleas from more than 50 merchants that packed the Commission Chambers with bags in their hands and on their heads.

Instead, plans will be made to hold a future community workshop to discuss the program and push back the timing of a proposed State Street parking garage proposal process until at least 2013. Discussions will also be held with St. Armands Circle merchants and Sarasota Memorial Hospital officials to discuss potential meters there to increase revenue, which could also help build a parking garage near St. Armands Circle.

The decision was made after a motion made by VIce Mayor Terry Turner to remove the meters failed by a 2-3 vote and only garnered the support of Commissioner Paul Caragiulo.

Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Commissioners Willie Shaw and Shannon Snyder voted against the motion to remove the meters, leaving merchants groaning as they exited the chambers.