Downtown Fresno business owners and residents gathered outside BB's Gelateria on Tuolumne Street on May 7 to voice concerns about parking meter prices and city policies affecting local businesses. Photo by Frank Lopez

Downtown Fresno business owners are voicing frustration over rising parking costs, ongoing construction disruptions and what some describe as a lack of support for local entrepreneurs.

The concerns came to a head May 7 when business owners and downtown supporters gathered outside BB’s Gelateria on Tuolumne Street to discuss parking challenges that they say are affecting customer traffic and business operations.

The discussion followed public backlash over parking meter prices during a recent concert at Chukchansi Park, when some meter rates climbed as high as $30. The controversy prompted Fulton Street business The Layover to cancel a planned karaoke event.

Business owners cite impact on customers

Stacy Williams, owner of BB’s Gelateria, said downtown entrepreneurs have invested heavily in the area and deserve stronger support from city leaders.

“We pour our whole hearts into downtown,” Williams said. “I think what was a slap in the face is today to see that our city gave a $40 million waiver to Costco while folks like me and the businesses on Fulton are scrambling for dollars and we can’t get parking in front of our shop.”

Williams was referring to debate surrounding a proposed Costco development and transportation mitigation fees that were not applied to the project.

She also criticized what she sees as a preference for attracting national retailers rather than supporting locally owned businesses.

“The planning and implementation by the city says ‘we want Whole Foods, we want 7-11,’” Williams said. “They want things like Costco and Amazon and they want to push out mom and pop shops.”

Williams said months of construction along downtown corridors, including Tuolumne and Broadway streets, have reduced available parking and created additional challenges for businesses.

She added that some customers and business owners were unaware they could still receive parking citations during portions of the construction process.

City manager defends event parking strategy

City Manager Georgeanne White addressed the controversy during an interview on KMJ radio, explaining that the city’s event parking pricing is designed to reflect market conditions during large events.

White said the city’s use of the ParkMobile system allows downtown visitors to choose between standard hourly parking and special-event pricing.

“Now that we utilize the Park Mobile app, we were able to offer two different rates,” White said. “If you’re going down to buy a beer or buy a dress on Fulton Street you could use the hourly rate for $2 an hour.”

According to White, event parking for the recent TequilaFest was set at $25 per hour, while standard hourly parking remained available for visitors not attending the event.

White said matching surrounding venue parking rates helps prevent event attendees from occupying spaces intended for downtown customers.

“People always want the city to try and behave more like a business and to drive things along with private business principles,” White said. “When the market is set around us we try and react to the market.”

Construction and parking remain concerns

White acknowledged that infrastructure improvements underway downtown will continue to create temporary inconveniences.

She said the city has secured significant state funding for infrastructure upgrades, including sewer and water system improvements that require ongoing construction work.

Business owners argue those disruptions are occurring alongside already limited parking availability.

Saul Pinedo, co-owner of Sacred Heart Coffee on Tuolumne Street, said customers have increasingly complained about parking conditions.

While special events have had limited impact on his business because the coffee shop closes in the afternoon, he said day-to-day parking challenges remain a concern.

“I honestly think the parking situation, especially right now with all the construction — make it free,” Pinedo said. “Outside of special events, Monday through Friday, during the earlier hours, make it free parking.”

The debate highlights a growing tension between downtown revitalization efforts, infrastructure investments and the needs of small businesses that rely on accessible parking to attract customers.