"I am not allowed to park there anymore:" Downtown parking spots disappearing as Summerfest begins

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Summerfest 2014 begins on Wednesday, June 25th -- and not everyone is excited about it. For some downtown workers, the combination of increased traffic for the Big Gig and tons of construction is leading to parking problems.

Ahead of Summerfest, signs went up in downtown Milwaukee. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they have a common goal.

One downtown Milwaukee worker had an interesting start to her Tuesday.

"I came in -- ten (minutes) to six. I turned into the lot. The gentleman told me I am not allowed to park there anymore," the woman, who asked that FOX6 News not use her name, said.

The woman parks in a lot near Clybourn and Van Buren. It's where she's parked for years.

She says a new sign she didn't see tells her than during Summerfest's 11-day run, her pre-paid parking spot is gone.

"My biggest issue is they are not offering a refund," the woman said.

Even though she has paid for her parking spot in full, she is forced to find a new place to park.

Parking rates have gone up throughout downtown Milwaukee.

"The parking lot that I normally park in is now going up to $20 a day, and I pay $55 a month," the woman said.

FOX6 News contacted CPS -- the company that runs the parking lot.

They say they not only posted notices, but hand delivered them on "multiple days."

In their license agreement with monthly parkers, an underlined section says permits are not valid for special events.

The woman says the least they could have done is given her a better heads up.

"I don't think it would have been hard for them to contact us via email, via our home address, instead of posting this one little 8x11 piece of paper," the woman said.

The woman says it's this fine print that has taken her parking spot away doesn't leave her in the partying mood.

"I still have to come to work, and I still have to find parking," the woman said.

In addition to Summerfest causing parking problems, construction on the Hoan Bridge has eliminated a lot of parking spots. That means if you're heading to the Big Gig, you may have a more difficult time.

As always, officials urge people to take advantage of public transportation.