House bill targets Fenway parking fees

The state House of Representatives gave preliminary approval yesterday to a bill intended to crack down on private parking lot operators around Fenway Park who illegally charge exorbitant fees on big game days.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino sought the legislation, which would raise the fine for price-gouging from $300 to $1,000, after hearing that some lot operators were charging fans as much as $100 to park on opening day.

''The prices are so high, it's hard for the average person to afford them," said Thomas J. Tinlin, the city's acting transportation commissioner. ''If these open-air lot parking providers don't want to do right by the people visiting the city and violate the terms of their license, we need to make them pay for that, and obviously $300 wasn't getting it done."

Parking is a lucrative business in the Fenway area, where on game days more than 20 city-licensed businesses -- including gas stations, retail stores, and a hotel -- cram vehicles into every available space.

During the American League Championship Series last fall, Menino sent letters to lot owners asking them to voluntarily lower rates that had climbed to $80 or more. Opening-day prices showed that the lot owners ignored the mayor's request, Tinlin said.

In an effort to force them to comply, the city's fire, police, transportation, and inspectional services departments have been conducting spot inspections to ensure that lot owners are meeting the terms of their licenses.

The city requires lot owners to clearly post prices, provide handicap parking, keep the site clean, properly store flammable materials, and provide access for emergency vehicles.

Tinlin said inspectors issued several warnings when they began inspections in April, but they have not cited any businesses for violations. Most, he said, have ''seen the light" since the inspections began.

But he said the proposed law would keep lot operators in line.

The bill which also must be approved by the Senate, would fine lot owners $1,000 per violation of any license condition.

''You hate to sound like a teacher, but they brought it on themselves," Tinlin said. ''If folks were doing the right thing in that area and living up to their licensing agreements, we never would have had to take this step."

Walid Geha, who operates a Sunoco gas station and convenience store on Boylston Street, said he has no problem with the mayor's proposal. ''I agree with him 100 percent," he said. ''Price-gouging, I don't like it."

But a major parking operator who requested anonymity said that while he would not object to increased fines for price-gouging, he is concerned that owners could get hit with huge fines for technical violations.

He added that he sees no problem with owners charging a little more on big game days.

''If the price of every hotel room in Boston has gone up 50 percent during the busy season, I don't see how a $5 or $10 increase is outrageous," he said.

Lisa Wangsness can be reached at lwangsness@globe.com.