Dallas Cowboys from WFAA Sports
Arlington seeks permit plan for Cowboys Stadium parking 
12:09 AM CDT on Tuesday, June 9, 2009
ARLINGTON - Many Arlington businesses and residents have recognized the cash cow the new Cowboys Stadium has brought to the area.
To some, the stadium became a gleaming opportunity to make a buck through parking. From using lawns to businesses, it has been a free enterprise. However, that will soon change as Arlington works to change all of that.
There are about 40,000 managed parking spots at and around the stadium. The city wants to ensure that the 15,000 unregulated spots all operate under the same rules and stop customers from being ripped off.
"They told us that we have to pay an additional $30 parking and gave us a parking permit to put on our windshield," said Teresa Nichols of her parking experience.
Under a proposed ordinance in Arlington, all off-site parking lots would need permits and each business would be required to provide the same standard including "posting what the price is, making sure it is properly lit and making sure someone is on the site with the vehicles throughout the time," said Deputy City Manager Trey Yelverton.
The city estimates close to 20 off-site parking lots would have been operating illegally Saturday if the proposal was already in place. Those who would have been in violation included those who parked cars on grass or fields, which is already against city code.
Parking would only be allowed on paved surfaces and at places already open for business. All attendants would be required to wear specially marked clothing.
"Give the public some assurance that this a good place to park as opposed to them wondering, 'Is my car going to be here when I get back?'" Yelverton said.
Permits would cost businesses anywhere from $150 to $400, but they won't control how much drivers pay.
The Arlington City Council hopes to have the permit plan in place by the opening of football season.
E-mail ccivale@wfaa.com
