[hjt]

We have a commercial parking lot that is getting lots of use by city traffic crossing over it. This is due in part to poor city planning when constructing the local library. Does anyone have any experience in setting a fair "access fee" so costs for upkeep can be obtainned. Thanks

[ScottGem]

First, its not a good idea to piggyback your question on another thread. Especially when it has nothing to do with the other thread. To avoid confusion your question has been moved to its own thread.

Let me get this straight you have a commercial lot that charges for parking. And the lot is being used as a thoroughfare? And you want to charge people a toll to cross the lot? Why not just put up gates?

[JudyKayTee]

We have a commercial parking lot that is getting lots of use by city traffic crossing over it. This is due in part to poor city planning when constructing the local library. Does anyone have any expierence in setting a fair "access fee" so costs for upkeep can be obtainned. Thanks

No, but I do have experience in a law firm which assisted a client in getting his lot zoned "no through traffic, no commercial traffic." Same situation, I believe.

[AK lawyer]

... "no through traffic, no commercial traffic." Same situation, I believe.

Well, not exactly. "No commercial traffic" would mean residential traffic only. "Through traffic" would mean traffic to or from OP's lot only, which, I'm guessing, will be commercial.

Be that as it may, I think the question relates to setting a fair price for through traffic usage. The answer depends upon how the fee is to be charged.

Is the city willing to pay so much per month? If so, I would retain an appraiser who specializes in eminent domain cases.

On the other hand, if OP is planning to set up a toll both, it's a matter of "whatever traffic will bear" (pun intended). Find the break-point price above which drivers will choose to find another way around.