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28 March 2024

JLT: For Dh50,000 'only', the parking space can be yours

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Residents in Cluster V of Jumeirah Lakes Tower (JLT) saw the ‘soft’ activation of parking barriers on Sunday. This means that for a period of two weeks, residents are given the opportunity to make arrangements to secure their parking space until April 28, when the ‘hard’ activation will commence.

However, when the parking space required is not allocated to the resident, acquiring one is said more easily than it is done.

A tenant living in Gold Crest Views 1 narrates: “We have two cars, but were allocated only one parking slot. I would like to know what to do with my second car. Do I need to buy an additional parking space?"

Indeed, buying a parking space is one of the options made available by building developers, who bought the parking slots in bulk from master developer DMCC when these were made available. But when told about the price of such a parking space, the tenant was rather shocked. “I was asked to pay Dh50,000!”

Owners and tenants can buy parking space from the sub-developer, explains DMCC, as these developers own the right of use of these spaces. There is no price cap; it is the responsibility of the sub-developer, commented DMCC.

Another option is buying parking space directly from DMCC, following the Parking Permit scheme. “In addition to the aforementioned parking arrangements, DMCC is introducing a Parking Permit scheme, which will give permit holders access to DMCC retained parking spaces where available,” DMCC explains.

Costs for each parking permit are Dh4,500 for a 12 moths-period, D2,500 for a 6 months-period and Dh1,500 for a 3 months-period.

But when asked DMCC about the option, he learnt that no such options were available in his building, as the sub-developer had bought up all the available parking slots. “DMCC has no retained parking in Cluster V that could be included in its JLT Permit Parking Scheme as all the parking bays in Cluster V have been secured by the three tower developers,” said the mail he received in reply from DMCC.

So what other options are there?

Attached in the mail was a map of overflow parking sites located within the landscaped areas throughout the community, about which DMCC said: “Parking on these sites is currently free of charge and will attract very low rates when the visitor paid parking system is introduced later in 2013. The overflow parking near Cluster V (located between Clusters V and W) consists of 106 bays free of charge.”

In some cases, residents may apply for parking permits in other clusters, as DMCC explains: "Applications for DMCC retained parking bays are available on a first come served basis, however, people based in neighbouring clusters can apply, where spaces are available."

In addition, street level parking is available across JLT.

The parking barrier activation process commenced in September 2012. Cluster D was the first cluster to see the barriers go down, and other clusters soon followed, with the entire process expected to complete by summer 2013.

“The activation of the parking barriers is designed to allow individuals and corporations who have purchased the right to the exclusive use of parking spaces to utilize of those parking bays,” master developer DMCC said.

Currently barriers have gone down in 15 clusters: B, D, A, M, N, G, S, J, H, I, Q, X, U, Y and V.

DMCC continues to emphasize that the entitlement to one or more parking spaces is primarily the responsibility of the individual developer, owners association or landlord.

It furthermore said: "Until the paid parking system is in place, visitors can park in the retail parking areas at Concourse (above ground) level for free for 2 hours. The system is designed to support the retail businesses there, as well as visitors to the towers.

"A Dh200 fine will apply for individuals who park in areas marked retail parking located at Concourse (above ground) level, for more than 2 hours. Those who require more time at certain businesses, such as restaurants and salons, can present receipts or notes from the respective retailer to have their fine voided, if applicable."

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