Discuss Detroit » Archives - July 2007 » Is parking too cheap in Detroit? « Previous Next »
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1127
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In another thread, someone made a comment that parking in Detroit was too expensive. I always thought it was very cheap. This article might lead one to believe it could be too cheap for a healthy economy...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/1 2/news/funny/parkingspots/inde x.htm?cnn=yes
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Mattric43
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Post Number: 149
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are you kidding? I know you have drove around and seen the signs for parking during a Tiger game. $20 or more!!
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Urbanize
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Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 1714
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The reason the parking spots are higher in cities like NYC is because the Cost of Living and the Value of the Land is Unbelievably higher than Detroit's.
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Upinottawa
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Username: Upinottawa

Post Number: 889
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Regardless of the price, downtown Detroit has too much parking (especially ugly, surface parking).

Very few (if any, there may be some American examples) thriving downtown cores have that much surface parking (when downtown cores are successful those surface lots get developed).
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Professorscott
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Post Number: 530
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Basic economics. You can only charge money for a thing like parking if there is value to it. So for instance, if you want to go to CoPa to see the Tigers, you have to pay to park unless you are willing to walk twelve or fourteen blocks; you are paying for the convenience of parking nearby and there isn't anyplace else you can go to see the Tigers play.

However, if you try to charge people to park while they shop, then you will kill your shopping district (as Detroit did) since people can shop at lots of places where parking is free.

The rate charged is based on what people are willing to pay, and the parking operators are pretty good at figuring that out.
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Focusonthed
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Username: Focusonthed

Post Number: 1145
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh lordy, $20 for major event parking! Mercy!
/sarcasm
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 2850
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^^^And Detroit's land values are low because the downtown moonscape of parking lots don't exactly make it all that attractive.
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Iheartthed
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Post Number: 1128
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

$20 is not expensive for a CBD of a major city. I've seen prices at $40/hr in some other places...
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Upinottawa
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Username: Upinottawa

Post Number: 890
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Better public transit would reduce the price of parking downtown. Better transit will reduce the number of cars entering downtown, thus decrease the demand for parking, therefore lower parking prices.
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Mattric43
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Username: Mattric43

Post Number: 151
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow remind me not to go there. $40 for an hour!! I wish I made that much!! I need to buy some property, (Day Dreaming) then $40 an hour per car ChaChing!!!
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Professorscott
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Post Number: 531
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Up makes an excellent point. Thriving urban cores don't need as much parking because they provide other ways for people to get around; if not everyone is driving then not everyone needs to park.

If the only way for nearly everyone to get around your city is in a car, then you will have lots of surface parking. Decks are Godawful expensive to build. The lack of transit keeps the land values low and enables the surface lots to exist.
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Mattric43
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Post Number: 152
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's all Mike Illitch!!! lol
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Fury13
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Post Number: 1890
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"$20 is not expensive for a CBD of a major city."

I agree, I would pay $20 for parking in New York or Chicago.

But certainly not in Detroit.

You said "major city."
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 9619
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There are NO parking spaces at that much per hour...maybe per DAY.

Chicago was about $25 per day eight years ago, NYC not much more than that five years ago.

Unless you're talking London, DC, or within a few blocks of the UN building, Iheart, I call bs unless you can give us proof.

Of was it a typo?!
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Mattric43
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Username: Mattric43

Post Number: 153
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Fury hit it! I agree. It's rediculous but in a major city I can see it the demand for space is so high but I don't see that high of a demand here. It's all about being close in Detroit where in a city like NYC it's all about finding a place to park period.
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1130
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

>Fury13

Well, contrary to opinion, Detroit still is a major city (I know you were kinda being sarcastic, though).

The $20 parking price that the person above was talking about was a flat fee, whereas I was pointing out that it's twice that per hour in other areas...
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Gannon
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Post Number: 9620
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Plus, these should act like any market...a reasonable supply then market demands the pricing.


Right now, the surface lots have the CASH flow to grease enough palms to maintain the status quo. It makes for an odd off-sheet 'added-value' that keeps their blight viable to continue this near-gray market.
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Mattric43
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Post Number: 154
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 12:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not disagreeing with you either Heart and understood Fury's point. There is a lot more activity and traffic in those cities than in detroit. It is all about supply and demand in those cities where in Detroit it is more about the luxury of being close. They have high prices so you can park close to the action not because there is no room.
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Civilprotectionunit4346
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Username: Civilprotectionunit4346

Post Number: 210
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 1:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't for parking when I go downtown....I know a few spots where to park & not have to pay.
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Norwalk
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Username: Norwalk

Post Number: 106
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 1:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I wanted to see Audra Kubat at Cliff Bells a month or so back. I decided to go at the last minute. Just my luck there was a rare Sunday night Tiger game. Parking everyhere in the vicinity was $20 Tickets to the show were $8 I could not justify paying more to park my car that to see the show. I went home.
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Jerome81
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Username: Jerome81

Post Number: 1558
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 1:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You weren't trying hard enough. Park in compuware garage. I think it is $5.
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Digitalvision
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Username: Digitalvision

Post Number: 249
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 2:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Norwalk, that's how a lot of people who don't post on this board feel. I know this because I talked to them every day in the course of business.

The prevailing thought is that if I'm coming down to spend money, I shouldn't have to pay more - or a large amount - to park. It automatically puts all the places who aren't the Detroit Tigers or Lions (who have such an overriding draw and no competition so it doesn't matter) at a significant disadvantage. And conversely, as a business owner, it's a competitive disadvantage for me to carry the cost of leasing spaces for my clients, which can easily add up very quickly, is cumbersome to let different people in to, and wouldn't be used all the time.

It's all psychological in business - perception is reality to customers.

Jerome81 - you miss the point. Customers don't want to try hard, and it's not their responsibility to try hard. It's your responsibility as a business owner to make it easy for your customers.

(Message edited by Digitalvision on July 12, 2007)
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Mattric43
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Username: Mattric43

Post Number: 159
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 2:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You know I guess I am blurred by the lots that are close to the fox town area. When it comes to those lots I think that is to much. However I do also know of places that are cheap. When I think of those lots I would say no we do have lower parking rates. I take back that it is to high. I like to park at the Michigan theater for Tiger;s games it is a mere three blocks and only cost $5. You really can't beat that. Sorry I was blinded by big white signs with huge red $20 painted on them. Compuware is good for Campus Martius and Greektown with it's free validated parking is also good for many things.
Digital I agree as I said all of the right up close in the front is $20 or more and that is rediculous.

(Message edited by Mattric43 on July 12, 2007)
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 4804
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 2:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OK, first of all for the uninformed...

Ilitch and DTE Energy own or owned 1/2 of the downtown "moonscape of parking" available... the DTE 50 acres of parking is now (soon to open) 26 acre MGM Grand Casino, and a huge green landscaped area. Mike Ilitch may likely put his new arena in a sea of parking behind his Fox Theatre. That leaves 3 other parcels for him to develop (2 across from the Fox and the Madison-Lenox site).

Besides those areas, what other "moonscape of parking lots" are we talking about?

And for those of you who come downtown uninformed, then you will pay $20 for parking (during sporting events). As has been mentioned, the Detroit Opera House, the former Michigan Theatre and other sites offer attractive rates. If you don't do your homework, then you will get suckered into the $20 spots.

And then there's the People Mover. For only 50 cents it will take you from one end of downtown to the other. There are so many structures and rooftops (Cobo) where you can park and take the PM, that it boggles the mind that some people feel that they don't have much of a choice! :-)
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Royce
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Username: Royce

Post Number: 2293
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Once MGM Grand Casino opens won't fans of the Tigers' be able to park in their parking structures for free. Even if you have to get your parking validated that should be a winner.

Does anyone know if Ilitch or MGM have plans to stop this from happening once people find out?

(Message edited by royce on July 12, 2007)
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Professorscott
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Username: Professorscott

Post Number: 532
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I second Gistok's comment about the DPM. $1 round trip, and you can park anywhere along the loop - and I have yet to see a day where the parking rates are up in the lots near all thirteen stations.

The total round trip time is 13 minutes or so, plus a couple minutes to wait (the trains go by about every 4 minutes).

I have my favorite places to park, then take DPM to wherever. I do that all the time, but judging by the nearly-empty trains, not many of us do.
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 9622
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Norwalk,

That is a huge bummer. You missed a great show, she really blooms in that space. Talked with a young woman in front of me who agreed she got another entire room full of people to fall in love with her again.

I rode my bike, but you're right the parking was berzerk. Keeps me away from driving to the Park, too. I just overheard Jerry mentioning the lack of business when the game is ON...and the regulars stay away due to the crush before and after the game.

They're on a tough block there. Even if you got a space, you'd be killing people in your way of getting out later. It would've ruined the vibe of Audra's magic spell.
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Mattric43
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Username: Mattric43

Post Number: 162
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know I will probably get a smack in the mouth for this but maybe I'm just to young to know; who is Audra Kubat?
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Focusonthed
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Username: Focusonthed

Post Number: 1147
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Parking in prime areas in downtown Chicago is about $10-$18 for the first 20-30 minutes. Generally, parking in the Loop is around $30 per day, more if you actually parked for a day around Michigan ave (which is why people don't).

Also, if you're a fool (and many are) and drive to go out at night in Wrigleyville, etc, you'll pay $5-$10 to park in gravel lots on non-event nights. Should a game be going on, you're talking $20 for quite a walk to the stadium.
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Drjeff
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Username: Drjeff

Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 3:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Anyone who pays $20 to park for a Tigers game is a moron. I go to 20+ games a year and pretty much never pay anything. You can park right up John R north of the stadium on the street for nothing. You can park on Washington Blvd. for nothing. There a numerous side streets in the CBD where you can park for nothing, because the parking meters are free after 6pm. The one caveat is that I had my car broken into 2 years in a row in front of the Statler when it was still there. However, there are lots of other lots where you can park for $5 or $10 very close by if you're afraid of that sort of thing, including a couple of Broadway. You can park in the Greektown casino lot for free if you're willing to get your ticket validated, which takes 5 minutes at most. The $20 parking is for people who don't know the city at all and pull into the first lot they see off of Woodward.
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 9623
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 4:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mattric,

Good question, she's a local Celtic folk/rock poet diva...I always say to imagine Enya meets Sarah MacLaughlin meets Ani DiFranco.

But she's unlike anything you've ever heard, if you are of a similar spirit...she really resonates a crowd on a good night.
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Mattric43
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Username: Mattric43

Post Number: 168
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 4:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the info. I am open to anything especially music and movies. I will check her out.
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Norwalk
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Post Number: 107
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 4:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I heard it was a great performance. I think my problem was I was a little overwhelmed by the crowd I was not expecting a game. Sunday nights in that neck of the woods are generally quiet. As a rule I do not pay for parking in the city I will walk blocks if I have too. But it was a last minute decision to go and the performance had already started and for once I was willing to pay but not more than the cover charge.

Mattric43
Audra is a very talented singer songwriter from Detroit Who can now be seen on Youtube
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Lmcdet
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Username: Lmcdet

Post Number: 4
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 5:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A lot folks complain about how expensive parking when going to a Tigers/Lions game, but I remember going to the Pontiac Silverdome to see the Lions in the 90's and parking was 20-40 dollars and no one seemed to complain to much. Why is it considered expensive when it Downtown?
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Club_boss
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Username: Club_boss

Post Number: 184
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Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 7:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I remember one Sunday morning we went to Sweet Georgia Brown for brunch and I want to say there some kind of event going on because the area was full of traffic, parking was crazy and pricy, it was $30.00 to $40.00 everywhere I looked.

Now mind you I passed on a few of the $30.00 and $40.00 places thinking these people are crazy but after seeing it was hopeless I ponyed-up and paid either $30.00 or $40.00.

I do not know my way around the downtown area that well, perhaps if I was a bit savvier I may have found an alley or someplace to park, but I had company in from out of town and didn’t make a fuss.

Brunch was yummy, somewhere around $330.00 for 6 of us, plus tip, that was the last time I went to Sweet Georgia Brown for brunch.
True Story.

Fixed

(Message edited by club boss on July 12, 2007)
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Royce
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Username: Royce

Post Number: 2296
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Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 2:07 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Can someone answer my questions before this thread ends up at the bottom of the sea? Thanks.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 4829
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 2:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Royce, that is a very good question, especially if a new arena is built in the west Foxtown area. I'm not sure anyone here is privy to that information.

Proximity to the Stadia may have been one of many issues why Greektown Casino opted to stay put and not move to I-375 & Gratiot.
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Kid_dynamite
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Username: Kid_dynamite

Post Number: 120
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 2:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

bring some beer over to my condo in Brush Park...you guys can park for free :-)

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