The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) convened on December 18, 2023, to discuss the ongoing Chatham Parking and Circulation Study, a critical initiative aimed at addressing the town's parking challenges. The study, which is part of the current Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), is being conducted in collaboration with Chatham's Parking Working Solutions Group.

During the meeting, project lead Dave provided an overview of the study's objectives and progress. The focus is on the downtown area of Chatham, particularly Main Street and its surrounding parking lots. The study aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of transportation for both people and goods, improve signage for all roadway users, and gather feedback from town staff, committees, and the public.

The project has already entered its data collection phase, which began in the summer. This involved extensive traffic counts and observations of parking utilization, revealing significant congestion and overflow in several lots, particularly during events. For instance, data collected on busy days indicated that many parking areas were over 100% utilized, leading to vehicles parking in undesignated spots.

Key findings from the study highlight a lack of uniformity in signage, which complicates navigation for drivers and pedestrians alike. The project team is also assessing multimodal facilities, including sidewalks and bicycle parking, to ensure comprehensive improvements.

Looking ahead, the study will engage with local businesses through the Chatham Merchants Association to gather insights on parking needs. A public meeting is planned for spring 2024 to discuss potential improvements, with a draft report expected by summer and a final report by fall.

This initiative is crucial for Chatham as it seeks to balance the demands of tourism and local traffic while enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors. The MPO's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a proactive approach to urban planning in the region.