Goldsboro council gets split public response to downtown paid parking; staff to return with options

Goldsboro City Council members heard results of a city-backed public survey that showed divided public opinion about reintroducing timed or paid parking downtown and discussed a series of potential next steps, including better use of off-street lots, targeted loading zones and programs for resident parking.

Council members and staff said the survey's 887 respondents were largely customers of downtown businesses; about 70% reported that they patronize downtown businesses. The survey asked whether respondents favored on-street time restrictions, paid parking, and other approaches to improve turnover; answers were mixed. Dr. Kelly (city staff facilitating the survey summary) said certain questions produced near-even splits, while others showed a stronger reluctance to adopt citywide paid parking.

"When the regulation went away and people started not moving vehicles, that's when it clogged back up," Councilman Boyette said, describing how earlier managed parking previously increased turnover. Councilors discussed several approaches: limited short-term parking or loading zones for deliveries and ride-share drop-offs; targeted paid spaces rather than a broad roll-out; residential parking permits for blocks most affected by overnight parking; and more robust enforcement if rules are adopted.

Council members consistently urged staff to exhaust non-ticketing options first. Suggestions raised at the retreat included negotiating additional public spaces by leasing private lots used by city vehicles, improving lighting and safety downtown to encourage visitors, and reallocating some city vehicles from prominent surface lots to free curb-side spaces closer to businesses.

Staff reported a potential short-term option: a private lot lease to move about 10 to 11 city vehicles off the municipal lot near City Hall, which would immediately free the equivalent number of public spaces; staff said the city previously removed a lease item from an earlier budget and would revisit terms with property owners. Several council members asked staff to prioritize low-cost, visible projects such as signage, striping and walkability improvements that would provide near-term relief while staff develops a longer-term parking management plan.

City Manager Matt Livingston said a standing downtown parking committee will consolidate the survey results and return to council with a menu of options. "We're gonna have to tailor that," Livingston said. "The wide-brush approach wasn't destined for success."

Ending: Staff will return with specific options for council review, including (1) low-cost lot and signage changes, (2) targeted short-term paid or time-limited spaces, (3) resident-permit programs for selected blocks, and (4) a proposal for a short-term lease to shift city vehicle parking and free public spaces.