Arvada Council discusses key recommendations for paid parking in Old Town

The Arvada City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, focused on the ongoing discussion regarding the implementation of paid parking in Old Town. Derek Fearn, the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and parking coordinator, presented a comprehensive overview of past studies and recommendations that support the need for a paid parking model to address increasing demand and parking challenges in the area.

Fearn highlighted that the conversation stems from a series of studies dating back to 2010, which consistently recommended moving towards paid parking when occupancy rates exceed 85% during peak times. He noted that current data shows weekday peak parking demand in Old Town averages around 94%, indicating a significant need for management strategies to improve parking availability and turnover.

The meeting also addressed the negative impacts of high parking demand, including increased traffic congestion, illegal parking, and safety concerns for both visitors and residents. Fearn emphasized that free parking is subsidized by taxpayers, and implementing paid parking could help alleviate these issues by ensuring better compliance and generating revenue for infrastructure improvements.

Council members engaged in discussions about the specifics of the proposed paid parking model, including potential enforcement hours and the areas most affected by congestion. Fearn mentioned that the goal is not to implement paid parking everywhere but to target the most congested areas to enhance accessibility for customers and encourage the use of the underutilized transit hub.

The council also reviewed the successful paid parking program in Morrison, which has adapted its enforcement hours based on feedback from local businesses. This flexibility is seen as crucial for the success of any paid parking initiative in Arvada.

As the meeting concluded, Fearn outlined next steps, including further data collection and community engagement efforts to refine the proposed parking strategies. The council's ongoing discussions will play a vital role in shaping the future of parking management in Old Town, aiming to balance demand with the needs of residents and visitors alike.