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City Council votes in new airport valet service

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council gave the stamp of approval on a new valet service at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

For months, Channel 9 has been uncovering reports of stolen cars and belongings from the current valet services.

The city's airport director said it was time for a change in valet service at the airport, regardless of what has happened with Park, Inc.
He said it's about the customers. 

City Council voted unanimously to approve a three-year contract with AmeriPark, based in Atlanta while cutting ties with Park, Inc. after 11 years of working together.
 
Park Inc. President Brian Haupricht poked holes at AmeriPark's proposal, saying it called for lower staffing.
 
Slow service is already a complaint Park Inc. gets.

Interim Aviation Director Brent Cagle said he started addressing problems with the company in July.

In October, Channel 9 uncovered several issues like employees charged with stealing from customers while they were away, including their cars and personal belongings.
 
But Cagle said that's not why Park, Inc. is out and AmeriPark is in.

He said AmeriPark made a better offer for service and the customers deserve better.
 
Cagle said AmeriPark has better safeguards for storing customers' vehicles than Park, Inc.
 
It's also looking at launching programs business customers have been asking for like a preferred customer program.
 
AmeriPark takes over July 1.

Click here for past coverage on the airport's valet service.