Because of a lack of revenue, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett wants to start charging for parking in county lots and garages in Bethesda on Saturdays -- something that is currently free and contributes to scenes of shoppers filling stores and sidewalks in places like Bethesda Row on weekends.
County Councilmember Roger Berliner represents the area. He said he's taking his cues on the issue from the Bethesda business community, which he said is split on the matter.
"We need the money, so if we don't find the money here, we need to find it someplace else. But certainly the business community has expressed some concern," he said.
But Berliner added that some Bethesda business owners think charging for Saturday parking might actually help bring customers.
"Because some people won't just hog a space all day, take their bike, go on the Capital Crescent Trail," he said.
Saturday fees in Bethesda are just part of the parking rate increases Leggett is seeking. He also wants to raise the price of monthly parking passes in both Bethesda and Silver Spring.
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