Parking meters to fund Cincinnati Entertainment District security improvements

El Paso City Council has approved the creation of a Parking Benefit District for the Cincinnati Entertainment area. It is called the Uptown Parking Benefit District.

A Parking Benefit District is an area where all or a portion of revenue collected from paid parking located within the area is used to finance improvements within the area’s boundaries.

City officials estimate 120 meters would be included in the District. The first 15 minutes would be free at parking meters along Cincinnati Avenue. The meters would run from 8 a.m. until midnight.

The boundaries for the District are listed here.

The Cincinnati Entertainment District, near the University of Texas at El Paso, is known for its thriving nightlife scene.

But the city of El Paso is hoping to expand the District’s reputation into a more family-friendly environment.

“There have been issues in this area regarding parking, regarding pedestrian safety and security. By the establishment of this parking benefit district, I believe that this establishes a model for other districts and other neighborhoods in the city to look for,” said City Rep. Peter Svarzbein.

City officials said the revenue would be reinvested in the area in the form of increased security and improvements such as street maintenance, landscaping, parking facilities and street lights.

“This parking management program will make a visible difference in the neighborhoods where it’s utilized,” said Monica Lombraña, City of El Paso Managing Director of Aviation and International Bridges. “It will improve mobility by creating parking turnover and will foster and support neighborhood safety and public improvements that are welcoming to both residents and visitors alike, and will also promote economic growth.”

Olga Soto, a bartender at Crawdaddy’s Bar and Grill likes the idea.

“I think it’s a good idea. Just this past Sunday we had a farmer’s market in the area. So I think that will bring an economic spark to the Cincinnati district that is usually known for bar hopping,” Soto said.

Cesar Hererra is a bartender at Rockin’ Cigar Bar in the Cincinnati District.

“I mean if they are going to pay for the security i think it going to benefit everybody on the block. so yeah, I am all for it,” Hererra said.

The city is also working on a citywide sidewalk cafe ordinance.

Kern Place and the Cincinnati District already have a new look.

The city has recently completed installing new lights, an archway and street improvements in the area. City officials said the project was designed in part to improve street and pedestrian safety.

The El Paso Streetcar will also run through the area and is expected to boost tourism and generate revenue.

Charlie Intebi, the president of the Kern Place Association, is in favor of metered parking especially because the money is earmarked to stay in the area.