West Concord committee proposes enhanced parking signage to support local businesses

The West Concord Advisory Committee is taking significant steps to address parking challenges in the area, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for visitors and support local businesses. During their meeting on October 5, 2024, members discussed the need for improved signage to alleviate parking confusion, which they believe is deterring potential customers from visiting local shops.

Committee members emphasized the importance of gathering input from local businesses to understand their parking concerns better. They plan to conduct outreach to collect feedback on parking issues and potential solutions, with the goal of presenting a well-supported proposal to the select board. This proposal will include suggested signage designs and locations, aiming to create a more organized parking environment in West Concord before potentially expanding efforts to other areas of Concord.

In addition to signage, the committee is collaborating with the Economic Vitality Committee, which is exploring changes to parking requirements that could ease the burden on businesses. This initiative aims to facilitate business operations by reducing parking constraints when ownership changes occur without altering the size of the business.

The committee also discussed the importance of representation for West Concord businesses in broader discussions about parking and economic vitality. They plan to ensure that local voices are included in ongoing outreach efforts led by the Economic Vitality Committee.

Looking ahead, the committee will continue to gather insights from business owners and strategize on how to implement effective parking solutions. They anticipate that any significant actions will likely take place after the holiday season, allowing for thorough planning and community engagement.

As the committee moves forward, they remain committed to fostering a vibrant shopping environment in West Concord, recognizing that effective parking management is crucial for the area's economic health.