Release Date: Monday, November 21st 2011

MAYOR GIVES DOWNTOWN SHOPPERS AND BUSINESSES TWO EARLY HOLIDAY GIFTS

Thursday, Nov. 17

For additional parking information and road closures associated with the 51st Duquesne Light Light Up NIght®, click here. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today gave downtown shoppers and businesses two early holiday gifts that are sure to give a boost to downtown’s burgeoning shopping, dining and cultural scene – announcing free holiday parking at Parking Authority garages this holiday season and a pilot valet parking program at Market Square. The Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA) board this morning approved the Mayor’s free holiday parking initiative.

“It is my goal to do everything I can to reward the many new and existing restaurants and businesses with more customers for being part of Pittsburgh’s Third Renaissance,” Ravenstahl said. “Since Market Square’s renovation, downtown has transformed and is the happening place to be this holiday season. I hope that more Pittsburghers will take advantage of the free and easy parking that will we hope will get them hooked on downtown’s burgeoning retail and dining scene.”

"Shoppers may park for free at any of the nine Parking Authority garages downtown on Friday’s beginning at 4 p.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday throughout the holiday season. The program begins tomorrow night with the 51^st Annual Duquesne Light Light Up Night celebration and will end after downtown’s New Year’s Eve “First Night” celebration on January 31^st.

“We are grateful to the Mayor for providing Pittsburghers with even more of reasons to shop, dine and be entertained this Holiday season,” said Jeremy Waldrup, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s president and CEO. “Free parking is a great way to support downtown’s unique shopping, dining, and cultural destinations.”

At the direction of Mayor Ravenstahl, the PPA and the Market Square Merchants Association will offer a pilot valet parking program.

“With the mayor’s help and guidance, I am confident that these two parking programs will bring more economic activity in and around Market Square,” said Nick Nicholas, Market Square Merchants Association representative.

The valet service will be off of Market Street and in place by Wednesday, Nov. 23. The service will be offered every day after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends. The service will cost $5 dollars.

Since its $5 million improvement project, Market Square has seen 16 new restaurants, seven facade renovations and hundreds of new residences. The project, lead by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, has also become a major stimulant for private investment in and around the area.