T

he capital city will once again offer free downtown street parking during six Saturdays leading up to the winter holidays.

Shoppers and other visitors can avoid the hourly fees on downtown meters as part of the city's “Citizen Appreciation Parking” initiative.

Charleston Ward 12 representative Joseph Jenkins said the city has provided free street parking during the holidays for several years now.

On Monday, council members once again voted to provide the free service for 2024.

The fees on metered parking spots will be waived on the last two Saturdays of November and all Saturdays in December, from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28.

“It’s for about six Saturdays, beginning on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and going through the end of the year,” Jenkins said.

While there is no fee to park on downtown streets during the select Saturdays, the fee-free days come at a cost to the city. Officials estimate the municipality will lose nearly $13,800 in parking revenue during the six-day pause.

But, they contend, the benefits outweigh the costs.

“The businesses and people of Charleston appreciate this,” Jenkins said.

Other city business

Also during their Nov. 4 gathering, council members:

• Recognized local veterans ahead of Veterans’ Day;
• Approved the appointment of Clifton Clark to the Land Reuse Agency through Oct. 1, 2026;
• Approved the appointment of Jill Watkins to a vacant seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals through Jan. 1, 2028;
• Approved a $53,747.86 request to purchase a brush chipper for the city’s Public Grounds Department;
• Approved a request to purchase five 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokees for the Charleston Police Department totaling $192,595; and
• Approved a contract for a street safety action plan. The plan would cost $210,313.26, with 80 percent of the funds provided through a grant and 20 percent provided in matching funds.

Panelists also approved several amendments to two city-owned financial accounts – one containing American Rescue Act Plan Funds and one the city’s 2024-25 Budget General Fund – among other agenda items.

Twenty-five of the council's 26 members were present during Monday’s meeting. Ward 9 representative Mary Beth Hoover was absent but excused.

The next regularly scheduled Charleston city council meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18 in council chambers.