The first of two informational sessions for residents to learn more about proposed changes to the city of St. Joseph’s downtown paid parking program was held Monday night.
After the controversial rollout of paid parking last year, the city’s parking subgroup got to work on ideas for improving the program. What it’s come up with is a drastic reduction in the number of paid spaces — from more than 800 to 175, and on-street only.
City Communications Director Kayla Griffith told us at Monday’s session the reception has been pretty positive, with people relieved such a big change could be coming. She said the goal of the paid parking program is to give people options.
“And so people who want to stay here all day, want to go to the beach, they’re motivated to park in the free all-day spaces then,” Griffith said. “And the people who just want to jet into the store real quick and do a little bit of shopping downtown are hopefully able to find some additional spaces available on street when they go downtown.”
Under the proposed plan, parking in downtown lots will be free, but spaces along the street will cost $2 per hour to park in. Griffith says users will be able to pay in 15 minute increments, and that’s not all.
“And then we also are adding additional 30-minute free parking so that if someone wants to jet in for a coffee, they can do that and park for free.”
There will be more information session for residents Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at city hall.
We’re told the parking subgroup plans to formally submit its proposal to the city commission in March. Commissioners will have the final say on what’s implemented, if anything.
