Daley to apologize for parking meter problems
 
Associated Press


Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says the city "totally screwed up" the implementation of a $1.15 billion lease of city parking meters to a private operator.

That's according to a published report of a Daley speech prepared for an appearance Tuesday. According to reports, Daley says the deal was necessary because of the city's fiscal situation.

The 75-year deal approved in December quadrupled parking rates in some neighborhoods, causing a citizen outcry. Aldermen complain meters charge incorrect rates or post outdated fee information. They say many meters are broken.

In May, the Illinois Attorney General's office launched an investigation into the meter deal.