During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed proposed changes to on-street parking regulations in the downtown area, aiming to enhance accessibility for both residents and businesses. Miss Edwardson, representing the engineering department, highlighted the need for adjustments as the Franklin development nears completion, which will introduce 122 residential units and 40,000 square feet of commercial space.

The proposed changes include implementing 30-minute parking on Second Avenue to facilitate quick loading and unloading for residents and businesses, as well as transitioning to 1-2 hour parking limits to encourage turnover and support local commerce. Edwardson emphasized that all-day parking has been detrimental to the vitality of downtown businesses, as it limits short-term parking availability for customers.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on existing businesses, particularly those that rely on longer parking durations for employees. Edwardson reassured attendees that there are alternative parking options available, including free parking in nearby lots and ramps. The Downtown Development Association echoed the sentiment that the proposed changes are necessary to improve the perception of parking availability and support local businesses.

The meeting also touched on the historical context of parking assessments, which were eliminated in 2019 due to inconsistencies and frustrations among downtown business owners. While there are no current plans to reinstate these assessments, city officials acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation of parking management strategies, especially as new developments arise.

A public input meeting is scheduled for July 30, where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed parking changes. City officials expressed their commitment to gathering feedback and making informed decisions that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors in the downtown area.