Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Jenny Wilson wants to offer free downtown parking during the construction of City Creek Center.

The current Salt Lake County councilwoman on Thursday announced her proposal for free parking at meters in the city's Central Business District, from North Temple to 400 South and from 300 East to 500 West. She wants the free parking to be available as long as it takes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build its downtown development, which will include retail, residential and office space.

"The city needs to work aggressively to remind shoppers that downtown is open for business," Wilson said.

Wilson was joined in her announcement by Shaun Jacobsen, manager of downtown restaurant Martine, who said his customer base has declined in recent years, and Gastronomy restaurant group owner Tom Guinney. "The timing of this proposal couldn't be better," Guinney said.

The LDS Church in 2003 announced plans to renovate the two blocks that currently house the Crossroads Plaza and ZCMI Center, and the malls gradually became vacant as tenants let their leases expire. Businesses on the surrounding blocks have felt the effects.

Wilson said she expects increased sales-tax revenue to more than make up for the $1 million she estimates would be lost in meter fees. She said sales-tax revenues in the county are regularly higher than anticipated in budgets.

"Imagine the cost if we start to see the Martines closing," she said.

Wilson is one of nine people seeking to replace Mayor Rocky Anderson, who is not seeking re-election. The field of candidates will be narrowed to two in a Sept. 11 primary.

Also running are House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, City Councilman Dave Buhler, schoolteacher Robert Comstock, former City Councilman Keith Christensen, former state Democratic Party chairwoman Meghan Holbrook, colorectal surgeon J.P. Hughes, Centro Civico Mexicano director John Renteria and City Councilwoman Nancy Saxton.

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