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Westport Begins Charging For Parking

667 views · Published 27 May 2008 · 1:51 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: KMBC 9 · 2008 · News & Politics

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Changes in Westport have some patrons scratching their heads and wondering why it's costing them more to have fun.

Westport officials said that on a typical weekend night, 3,000-5,000 people venture to Westport.

This weekend, however, Westport officials began charging $2 to $5 for parking, and some people are not happy with the change.

"I just think that's ridiculous because people come down here to spend money on what they're supposed to do. They're going out to the bars having a fun time instead of worrying about where you're going to park. I just think it's ridiculous," Kansas City resident Miles Brinkman said.

Melissa Rhodes said she won't come to Westport anymore.

"No, I won't. I'll just leave. I just don't pay to park anywhere," Rhodes said.

A representative with Westport said the goal of the price hike is twofold: it will make it easier to find parking in the area, and it will reduce cruising in the area in hopes to make the area patron-friendly.

"There's so many people down here on any given Friday and Saturday night, so it could cut down on wrecks -- it could cut down on all kinds of stuff," Westport patron Billy Thaxton said. "I'm sure people won't like the parking thing, but that's alright because they'll keep coming."

Officials said the parking will be used to pay for the parking staff, and the rest of the money will be split between business owners.

The charges went into effect this weekend.

Parking will be free except on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m.

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