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Jed Boal ReportingSalt Lake City knows little changes can make a big difference when it comes to luring people downtown. Mayor Rocky Anderson today lifted Saturday parking restrictions on a stretch of Broadway Boulevard, a move to boost business and please the people.
The little sticker could make a big difference to small businesses on Broadway Boulevard.
David Litvin, Broadway Merchant: "It's essential for shoppers to have parking. If they have to walk three or four blocks, they won't do it."
Several years ago, center of the street parking helped bring back the bustle to Broadway. Business picked up 10 to 20 percent for many merchants. People enjoy the antique shops, specialty stores, the Broadway Theatre and restaurants. Now you can park free with no time limit on 300 South between State Street and Third East.
Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City: "Those who come down will be able to browse, relax and eat at leisure without having to worry about parking meters and time limitations."
Previously, you had to clear out after two hours on Saturdays. Free parking was offered on Sundays before. David Litvin, co-owner of Litvin Antiques, pitched the idea to the mayor and his staff. He says too often a parking ticket greeted shoppers at the end of an otherwise great day.
David Litvin: "The last thing they would experience would be a parking ticket. It just killed the experience of spending the day in Salt Lake."
The President of the Downtown Alliance says easy, convenient and accessible parking is the cornerstone of successful business downtown.
Bob Farrington, President of the Downtown Alliance: "What really differentiates and makes our city unique are those small, local, one-of-a-kind businesses that we have in spades on Broadway."
In May, construction starts on landscaped medians between Main Street and 2nd West on Broadway. The Mayor hopes to get council approval to extend that landscaping even further.
