The Waterville City Council is considering whether paid parking downtown could become a new source of revenue for the city.
At Tuesday’s meeting, parking and transportation consultant John M. Burke explained how municipalities decide whether paid parking makes sense. Burke, who has worked on similar programs in Maine communities such as Camden, said one key measure is the “85% occupancy rule.” That guideline suggests paid parking may be appropriate when about 85% of parking spaces are regularly filled, leaving about one open space for every seven occupied spots.
Burke said paid parking can help increase turnover, reduce congestion from drivers searching for spaces, and make parking easier to find downtown.
Councilors also discussed whether residents could receive free or discounted parking while visitors pay. Burke said some municipalities use that approach.
The first phase of a downtown parking study would cost about $10,000 and would take three to four months to complete. It would include reviewing parking data, surveying occupancy and turnover, interviewing stakeholders, and recommending possible improvements.
The City Council did not take formal action Tuesday and will continue considering whether to authorize the study.
Read the Meeting Minutes and view John Burke’s full Powerpoint presentation from the July 7th meeting HERE.
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