Carmel explores valet parking options to alleviate street congestion and improve accessibility

Carmel-by-the-Sea is taking bold steps to tackle its parking challenges, with city officials exploring innovative solutions to optimize street parking. During a recent City Council Special Committee meeting, discussions centered on enhancing parking efficiency to better accommodate both residents and visitors.

Key proposals include the introduction of compact parking spaces for smaller vehicles, such as golf carts and scooters, and a potential shift in parking time limits. Officials are considering extending short-term parking to longer durations, allowing shoppers to enjoy their time without the pressure of rushing back to their cars. This approach aims to strike a balance between visitor convenience and local resident needs.

Steve Summers, a long-time partner with the city, proposed establishing a valet service at the corner of Unipero and Ocean, which could remove up to 100 cars from the streets. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion and enhance the visitor experience. Summers detailed how the valet system would operate, emphasizing its efficiency and potential to improve traffic flow.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need for improvements at the Forest Theater parking lot. Suggestions included creating more spaces through simple engineering solutions and addressing safety concerns around the area. The proposed changes aim not only to increase parking availability but also to enhance public safety for theater-goers.

As the city considers these proposals, officials are optimistic about the potential outcomes. By implementing these strategies, Carmel-by-the-Sea hopes to create a more welcoming environment for visitors while ensuring that residents can access necessary parking. The next steps involve further discussions and evaluations of the proposed plans, with the goal of enhancing the overall parking experience in the city.