Jackson, Mississippi residents concerned about new parking meters in Downtown JXN, mayor responds!

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The City of Jackson installed new parking meters downtown earlier this year.

According to Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the kiosks are meant to produce revenue for the capital city, but some people are not fans of the new system.

“I’m not in favor of the parking industry downtown. I think the city could look at other alternatives for generating revenue,” said Barry Howard, who works downtown.

Currently, it costs a dollar an hour to park downtown. You can pay at the meter with coins or a card or from your phone through text or the parking app website.

Most visitors used to park downtown for free, but Lumumba says that was never the intention, and this system keeps Jackson in line with other big cities. He believes a dollar isn’t asking for much.

“We’re talking about a dollar. If you go to any city near our size, you’re looking at a minimum of $5,” Lumumba said.

For some people, the cost is not the main concern. It’s the paying process and requirements.

Howard said, “I think the whole process is a little confusing, you know, in terms of what you actually do to pay? Is there a meter? What are the penalties for not paying? I don’t think the average person quite understands the process.”

According to Lumumba, the meters are also meant to be more convenient by allowing you to pay from your phone. However, it’s not that simple for everyone.

Emily Cross, who works downtown, said, “When you go to try to extend it, it doesn’t let you extend it. It says, ‘Oh, you can go to two hours,’ but then once you click two hours, it says, ‘Oh, this is not available.’ So, you just have to go and do a whole other session.”

Paying for parking is common in large cities, and Lumumba wants Jackson residents to understand the benefits the additional revenue could bring to the city.

Lumumba said, “When you go to Atlanta, when you go to Houston, if you don’t understand the meter, then you find time to figure it out, so you make certain that you don’t get a ticket.”