January 10, 2009 – The proposed downtown “congestion pricing” parking fee – that had River North Association concerned – has been withdrawn.

The proposal was part of a larger effort to reduce traffic congestion in the city. If the ordinance had been approved, Chicago would have qualified for $153 million in federal “congestion mitigation” grants. But a federal deadline for approving the ordinance was missed. The city requested a two-week extension from the U.S. Department of Transportation but was denied.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly says the city shouldn’t give up trying to get federal grants to relieve congestion, but “any future proposals must carefully consider the potential negative economic impact on local business and ensure those concerns are addressed.”

Reilly would like to see a more collaborative approach, enlisting the participation of the downtown business community to identify incentives, such as employers offering workers alternative work hours.

 Related story: River North Association opposes proposed downtown parking fee