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Southern Pines council opts to repair downtown lot, add parking after months of debate
Summary
After months of discussion and a public work session on several design options, the council voted to repair the existing downtown lot and convert paved but unused areas into about a dozen additional spaces, directing staff to proceed with irrigation planning and renderings for alternatives.
The Southern Pines Town Council voted Tuesday to repair the existing downtown parking lot and convert currently paved-but-unused areas into additional parking spaces, ending a months‑long recurring discussion about whether to prioritize green space or more parking in the town’s downtown park.
Council and staff spent substantial time reviewing five main options — from renovating the lot to maintain or add parking to converting the area to all‑grass (which would increase event and recreation use), installing brick runners (two tire strips) with grass between, reforesting the lot, or a hybrid "5.5" approach with trees and runners. Staff told the council there is $125,000 budgeted for the project area plus $50,000 identified for irrigation.
Supporters of adding parking said the town has heard repeated public requests for more downtown spots and that improving the existing lot restores a use that already exists. Advocates for a greener solution emphasized the historical character of downtown and long‑term maintenance and environmental benefits from permeable surfaces and trees.
After discussion, a motion to proceed with option 1 — repairing and improving the current parking configuration — passed by voice vote. Council instructed staff to prepare more detailed renderings for a follow‑up work session that will show alternatives (including 2‑strip brick runners and tree plantings) so council can revisit design details such as tree maturity, irrigation footprint and maintenance implications.
Staff said the option chosen would not convert existing green parkland into new paved area; rather, it would clean up and repurpose currently paved areas. They also discussed operational measures such as removable bollards to close the lot during events and design choices intended to preserve sightlines and safety.
Council emphasized the decision was made to balance maintenance costs, usability for festivals like the farmers market and the long‑standing public demand for downtown parking. Staff will return with visuals for the next work session and begin irrigation planning under the currently allocated budgets.
