By Travis Gettys
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - Business owners agree that something must be done about parking problems in the city's business district; disagreement over how to do it could turn into an issue in this year's contests for mayor and city commission.

City officials in November recommended further study of a proposal to introduce parking meters to the area, including Monmouth Street, but some business owners want action now.

"The situation has become intolerable," said Tom Beiting, president of the Newport Business Association. "It's not unusual to find businesses that have been completely robbed of parking."

Many people leave their cars parked for hours in the business district as they work or shop in downtown Cincinnati and at Newport On The Levee. The problem is even worse on weekends, business owners say.

"People park there, and they're literally gone all day," said Mark Hubbard, owner of Dragonfly Stained Glass Innovations.

Still, Hubbard said he doesn't think installing parking meters is the answer.

"It'll discourage business," said Hubbard, who favors enforcing a one- or two-hour time limit for on-street parking.

Currently, there is no time limit for parking in the business district.

City Commissioner Jan Knepshield said the city must address the parking issue, which he said would require additional police officers.

"It's extremely labor-intensive," he said. "We don't have the manpower to do that."

One idea under consideration is hiring two full-time citation officers, said Lt. Phil Liles, assistant patrol division commander.

Jeff Ballard, a City Commission candidate, said he is concerned about the cost of meters and extra officers to taxpayers, estimated at more than $500,000.

City officials hope the expense can be offset through revenue generated from meters and citations, which Ballard said could hurt businesses south of Newport On The Levee.

"We're having a hard enough time drawing people down here," Ballard said.

With business owners divided and city commissioners facing re-election, officials are proceeding cautiously.

"The issue has become a bit of a political football," Beiting said.

However, the races for mayor and city commissioner were each one candidate short of forcing a May primary, so any political risks would be delayed until fall.

"Without a primary election, now would be an ideal time to present it," Beiting said.

E-mail tgettys@enquirer.com