Judge Allows Cincinnati Parking Lease Deal To Proceed

A Hamilton County judge has denied a request to block the city of Cincinnati's parking lease deal from taking effect. The request was filed by opponents who want City Council to take a second vote on the issue. Those seeking to block the lease of parking lots and meters say the deal has changed so much that it is now illegal. Cincinnati attorneys say City Manager Martin Dohoney has the legal authority to make changes to the lease by the local Port Authority. The plan will cost the city 4 million dollars in upfront fees. The city says parking meter hours will not change, in order to appease neighborhood leaders and business owners who worried hours and rate hikes would hurt their operations.