New study finds downtown Nashville parking top concern for musicians

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new report shows parking prices in Nashville is one of the biggest concerns for those who perform downtown.

If you’ve ever driven downtown or simply tried to find a parking spot, you know how frustrating it can be. This is especially true for a musician driving downtown on a nightly or weekly basis. And it’s not just those parking costs down here -It's also the policies, such as paying to park after 6 p.m.

Of the 4,200 plus musicians voicing their concerns in a new survey from the Greater Nashville Music Census, many shared the same issues. The top concern is related to parking.

"To me, that's a profit-based thing," Wes Little, a local musician, says. "I think profit is fine as long as it's not put ahead of the public good."

Little, who moved here from New York City, has been here to see all the changes in Music City over the last 16 years. He’s one of many speaking out about the parking costs and policies.

"If you have a base pay of $50 and you go downtown to play and then they charge you $10 for parking, 20% of your money is already gone to that and then you're having to schlep your gear through the rain, which could be three to four blocks, and then it's raining, no one's in the club, you don't make any tips," Little says.

Some of the other concerns voiced in the findings include high pay-to-park lots and no parking, a huge disincentive to ever want to play downtown.

Others suggest adding a loading zone for musicians that taxis can't use or parking exclusive for them.

While another person pointed to the parking minimums, when a spot only allows two to three hours. A gig often lasts four hours, resulting in a fine for those playing or attending a show.

"If you go down to Broadway, take a look at how many people are in a club with a band vs. how many without one...I think that needs to be taken into the equation," Little adds.

FOX 17 News brought these concerns to Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin, who represents the downtown district.

"It's a huge priority to me," Kupin says. "We are Music City. Musician parking is an issue that I've been actively working on."

Kupin says he’s been in conversations with agencies such as The Tennessee Department of Transportation and Nashville Department of Transportation to make realistic options for people.

MORE | Musicians hit uplifting note with 60% off in downtown Nashville parking

In the meantime, Metropolis offers a 60% discount for musicians parking downtown.

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