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City approves $50,000 downtown traffic and parking analysis after debate over timing and use of funds
Summary
The commission approved a $50,000 allocation for a downtown traffic circulation, parking assessment and CRA plan update despite objections that the city should instead spend money on sidewalks now; staff said counts were already underway and the consultant will reassess after Alachua Street reopens.
Planning staff asked the commission to authorize a professional services contract to update the downtown traffic circulation and parking assessment and to refresh the CRA plan. Planning Director said no comprehensive downtown traffic study had been completed since 2009 and that initial counts were already done in May; the proposed contract includes a follow‑up task to re‑evaluate impacts after Alachua Street reopens.
Commissioner Ross argued the city had repeatedly commissioned studies that yielded familiar recommendations — paid parking, sidewalk needs and enforcement — and urged spending on built sidewalks instead of another study. "We don't need to spend $50,000 for a study to say that we need sidewalks," he said. Other commissioners said the study would provide technical backing for grant applications and funding eligibility. On a 3–2 vote the commission approved the allocation and instructed the consultant to account for forthcoming traffic changes when Alachua Street opens.
