The recent loss of more than 2,300 prime parking spaces at the former Cinergy Field garage has resulted in higher parking fees at some other parking lots and garages in downtown Cincinnati.

Though downtown parking rates overall have remained fairly stable since the garage at the 32-year-old stadium was closed in October, some commuters are paying higher fees at various lots.

Monthly fees at Impark 17, 114 W. Court St.; PCA Lot No.1, Court and Elm streets; and riverfront lots at Paul Brown Stadium were $5 higher in December than in June, according to a monthly survey compiled for Downtown Cincinnati Inc. Downtown parking experts said fees periodically could have been boosted as operators figured there would be more demand for space with the loss of Cinergy. Another reason: The county raised monthly rates $5 a space for riverfront lots it runs in July to help offset higher expenses.

"Fees at about 95 percent of the lots and garages downtown have remained stable for the most part,'' said John Schneider, Cincinnati's downtown parking guru.

Jeff McKinney