West Lafayette council amends parking-meter ordinance, gives Board of Works implementation authority

The West Lafayette Common Council on Nov. 4 approved an amended ordinance to permit and regulate parking meters on city streets and moved implementation authority to the Board of Works to allow quicker adjustments.

The ordinance (28-20-24), sponsored by Mayor Easter, was amended by substitution before the vote. Mayor Easter told the council staff and public that the change "gives the opportunity . . . for a bit more flexibility" and would let the Board of Works add or remove meter zones without returning the ordinance to the council. Deputy Chief Van Bactcher reiterated enforcement and safety priorities tied to snow-emergency routes.

The change followed extensive public comment. Francis Savanissini, president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, said a petition signed by more than 17 student-organization leaders representing "over 2,000 students" opposes the ordinance as written and urged consideration of a student parking pass alternative. "This ordinance does the opposite" of serving people who rely on those spaces, Savanissini said. Libby Sorensen, a Purdue graduate employee, urged broader planning linking parking with affordable housing and stronger transit: "Demand for parking spaces on and around campus will continue until a large-scale long-term plan that meets the diverse needs of the city is developed." Trevor, a graduate student, warned meters could increase vehicle traffic and pedestrian risk and suggested using garage revenue to support the city bus.

Council members said they heard those concerns and emphasized that implementation is not immediate; one councilor noted the change would likely not take effect until next fall. Councilor Sanders said he supports pursuing more buses and working with Purdue on remote parking solutions and that time-limited or metered parking can reduce time spent searching for spaces, which he called an environmental benefit.

On roll call the council recorded the members present as voting in favor and the amended ordinance passed. The council and staff said the Board of Works will oversee implementation details and the city will continue outreach with business owners and Purdue before meters are active.

The mayor and council framed the vote as creating an adaptable tool rather than immediate, citywide meter installation: officials stressed phased implementation, continued public engagement and coordination with parking garages and transit options as next steps.