Atlanta Council puts brakes on move to replace PARKAtlanta

The effort to replace controversial parking management company PARKAtlanta hit a roadblock Monday.

Members of the Atlanta City Council, worried they might be moving too fast, tabled the vote to hire SP Plus Municipal Services to oversee the city’s on-street parking program.

“I’m not making the same mistake again,” Councilwoman Felicia Moore said, explaining the push to move quickly feels reminiscent of negotiations with PARKAtlanta. “We have not thoroughly vetted (the SP Plus) contract.”

PARKAtlanta has been widely accused of questionable tactics since being awarded the contract in 2009, including ticketing cars before time runs out on meters. The company has been working on a month-to-month contract as Atlanta sought a replacement.

SP Plus’ contract calls for the Chicago company to earn about $13.5 million annually, with $7 million each year going to the city. But council members said they want more information about the contract.

“I don’t want to have any buyer’s remorse,” said councilwoman Yolanda Adrean.

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