A new automated payment system - or pay-in-lane station - could be installed at the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck in downtown Traverse City this summer. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board will consider authorizing up to $74,200 Friday to pay for the equipment, which would be installed at the Front Street exit of the garage.

"Though this is a significant expense, it will save costs in the future by reducing staff hours," DDA Executive Director Rob Bacigalupi wrote in a memo to board members this week. "(It) will greatly increase customer convenience, and will reduce the need for police to let parkers out of the garage after hours." Parking Administrator Nicole VanNess - who notes the garage has operated as a manned facility since opening in 2003 - says the station will also allow customers to access the garage before 7am, reduce wait and exit times and provide relief during high-volume periods.

The new payment system is part of the DDA's recently adopted 2015-18 parking plan. Dollars are available to cover the expenditure in the DDA parking system fund, according to Bacigalupi.