SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Balboa Park has enjoyed free parking ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt drove the first car over the Cabrillo Bridge in 1914. Now, 111 years later Mayor Todd Gloria, and the current city council is planning to end the long-standing tradition of free parking in October.

“This is a community that is squeezing its own residents,” said a resident complaining of the city’s plan.

In a Balboa Park advisory committee, a city staff member laid out the plans for charging for parking, while the mayor and city councilmembers are attempting to fill a $250 million budget shortfall.

“Council has already assumed this revenue in the FY '26 budget,” said a city spokeswoman.

Parking fees at Balboa Park are planned to be as high as $12 a day and as low as $6. Prime parking areas wi

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