A map depicting the current layout of parking spaces in downtown Jamestown, as of November 2017. Recommendations from the city’s ad hoc downtown parking committee would make several changes to downtown parking, including the removal of the two-hour free parking zone in the heart of the downtown.
JAMESTOWN – After nearly a year-and-a-half of meetings and research, the city of Jamestown’s ad hoc Parking Advisory Committee has come forward with recommendations on how to improve parking in the downtown.
During Monday’s Jamestown City Council work session, representatives from the committee were on hand to provide a report that highlighted solutions to the problems and challenges associated with downtown parking as it relates to people who live, work, and/or visit the downtown.
The ad hoc committee was established by Mayor Sam Teresi in July 2016 to study downtown parking and bring forward recommendations. the committee was comprised of representatives of downtown businesses and destinations, along with city officials.
Among the solutions that were brought forward:
- All two-hour meters converted to three-hour meters.
- All exceptions to remain in place (i.e. 30-minute meters, load/unload zones, handicapped spots etc.)
- All non-lease surface lot meters converted to 12-hours.
- 12-hour meters will be placed on the outskirts of the Central Business District (i.e. 5th and 6th Streets)
- Improve the fairness of enforcement by eliminating the confusing “courtesy zone” [“Free Zone”].
- Clarify parking regulation signage throughout the former “courtesy zone.”
- Current “courtesy zone” spaces converted to three-hour meters.
- THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE IN PARKING FEES!
- Parking ramp and lease space rates will remain the same.
- Fees will remain $.25 per 1⁄2 hour, $.50 per hour for Central Business District and 12-hour surface lots.
- Fees for 12-hour, outskirt meters will be decreased to $.25 per hour.
- Make paying for parking convenient and flexible by installing multi-function, “smart” meters.
- Continue to accept coins.
- Accept credit card payments.
- Set up a pay-by-phone app that is integrated with or independent of “smart” meters.
- Implement a more user-friendly signage system for lease/non-lease spots in surface lots.
- Implement signage program to easily identify public parking facilities.
- Design and implement a wayfinding system to lead motorists to attractions and long-term parking for those attractions.
All recommendations will be presented to the city’s Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission on Thursday morning, Nov. 16 and will then be considered by city lawmakers for possible implementation, most likely next year.
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