Newark parking advisory committee recommends survey, clearer signage, monitoring and 15‑minute courtesy parking

The Newark Parking Advisory Committee on Monday presented four near‑term recommendations to City Council aimed at improving the downtown parking experience and gathering data needed for longer‑term decisions.

"We're going to suggest enacting a 15 minute courtesy parking selection," said Rob Gifford, chair of the parking advisory committee, as he outlined the panel's recommendations: a customer survey, improved wayfinding and lot signage, monitoring usage with existing systems, and a 15‑minute courtesy period for very short stops.

The committee, formed in April and composed of four recurring members who said they represent residents and downtown businesses, told council it focused first on “policy layer 1” — managing existing assets and information before proposing major infrastructure projects. Director of Planning and Development Renee Benzley opened the presentation and credited the committee with significant site work, outreach and practical recommendations the city could implement quickly.

Why it matters: Council members and downtown business owners said parking is a key factor affecting customer visits, employee retention and the downtown economy. The committee said the short proposals are intended to be revenue‑neutral or nearly so while producing data to test…