Free parking in downtown St. Joseph may soon end, following a paid consultant’s recommendation to City Commissioners.

Paid parking would be enforced during the summer, from May 1 to Sep. 30, to discourage beachgoers from taking up spaces to avoid Silver Beach fees.

The proposed rates are $2 per hour for on-street parking with a three-hour limit, and $1 per hour in lots west of Main Street without a time limit. Parking east of Main Street would remain free, but with violation fees.

The initial cost of the paid parking system is estimated at $600,000 for pay stations, signage, preparation, and enforcement, but it could generate over $820,000 annually.

WSBT reports city commissioners are reviewing the proposal and awaiting a formal vote at an upcoming meeting.