College Park approves permit parking on Delaware Street to curb spillover from Flats development

The College Park City Council voted to implement residential permit parking on Delaware Street between 40 Eighth Place and 40 Ninth Avenue after residents petitioned the city to address spillover parking from nearby development and construction.

“Under Chapters 150‑1‑1 and 150‑1‑2, they met all the requirements outlined in the City Code, and 66.6% of the residents in the affected area, proposed affected area, did sign the petition,” Parking Enforcement Manager Miller told the council during the public hearing.

Residents described long periods when non‑resident vehicles parked on the street — sometimes blocking safe school bus pickup and forcing pedestrians into the roadway — during nearby Flats construction and turnover. “The biggest issue…is that when people park, we don't know who they are,” one resident said during public comment.

Petitioners asked for continuous permit enforcement; staff noted the council can set the hours and number of permits per address. Several neighbors suggested limiting enforcement hours to avoid undue burden on visitors during daytime hours; residents and council members discussed options such as enforcement during afternoon and overnight periods.

Councilmember Hale moved to approve permit parking for the block; the motion passed with council support. Staff said the request met code criteria and will implement permit restrictions and related permit administration.

Ending: Councilmembers urged staff to monitor adjacent blocks for spillover and to return with any needed adjustments; residents said they will continue to coordinate with staff on enforcement preferences.