Council discusses enforcing two-hour parking on Willing Street and ideas to pedestrianize downtown block

Councilmembers raised downtown parking and pedestrianization options for Willing Street during the July 15 work session, urging enforcement of an existing two-hour parking restriction and exploring longer-term ideas to enliven the riverfront commercial block.

Councilman Powers said he found two-hour parking signs already posted and asked the police chief to enforce the restriction: “I just think we need to enforce what we've got on the books now.” Several councilmembers proposed more ambitious concepts: closing Willing Street to vehicular traffic for pedestrian-only use, creating café/frontage space for small retailers, and using bollards or limited-time closures for events. Councilman Cusick and others suggested studying a pedestrian-only or event-first plan as part of downtown revitalization.

Staff recommended early stakeholder engagement, inviting property owners and businesses to discuss ideas before council or staff present detailed designs. Planning staff said the topic is already slated for an upcoming IAB meeting and asked councilmembers to attend. Council members suggested referring pedestrianization options to the Community Improvement Board and coordinating with county officials about reopening Oak Street to provide alternate vehicle circulation and parking.

No formal action or ordinance was taken; councilmembers asked staff to pursue stakeholder outreach and to return recommendations as part of downtown revitalization planning.