City Council OKs $268,000 To Automate Ottawa Street Parking Deck

JOLIET — The Joliet City Council approved a contract at Tuesday’s City Council meeting to FlashParking, Inc. to install a parking access and revenue control system for the city-owned Ottawa Street Parking Deck. The automated system will improve the downtown parking experience, according to Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works.

In Tuesday night's press release from Rosemaria DiBenedetto, city of Joliet media engagement and communications director, Ruddy remarked, "The funding was included in the 2024 city budget to complete technology upgrades at the Ottawa Street Parking Deck.”

The total cost of the project is estimated to be roughly $268,000, the press release noted.

Based on a review of the proposals, three firms were chosen to be interviewed by city staff. Staff from Information Technology and Public Works determined that FlashParking was best qualified. FlashParking has an existing system in Joliet and other parking garages throughout the Chicago area.

Technology upgrades will include the installation of new automated entrance and exit gates, and license plate reading cameras to allow monthly permit and prepaid reservations to enter and exit the garage automatically without pulling a ticket or utilizing a pay station. Pay-on-foot smart stations will also be installed accepting credit cards and cash.

Digital entrance signage indicating deck usage will be installed outside the entrance and digital ticket checkout will allow customers to scan a QR code and pay directly from their mobile device. The new system will also have the capability to utilize eReservation platforms such as Parkwhiz to book parking in advance. It is anticipated that the new equipment will be installed and operational by early 2025.