This is a discussion concerning changing the parking time limits on Main Street. Since June 2017, as recommended in the Old Town Parking Study, the time limit for on-street parking in Old Town Street was changed from 1-hour to 2-hours with the exception of Main Street, which was left at 1-hour.  The purpose of the Old Town changes was generally to induce turnover of the spaces for convenient shopping and to deter long-term parkers from tying up the on-street spaces.

In October 2017, the Town began more frequent and routine parking enforcement with a part-time parking enforcement officer and new ticketing equipment.  The combined impact of reducing the time limit and regular enforcement is that there are now many more available on-street parking spaces on Main Street throughout the day, but customers complain that one hour is insufficient to dine in restaurants and conduct business.   

Staff distributed surveys to business owners for their feedback.  From those that responded, most desired the two-hours time limit for Main Street.  

The Town Manager has the authority to set the time limit for on-street parking.  Because the change was implemented last year along with other Parking Study recommendations by the action of Council, I felt it was appropriate to get the input of the Public Safety & Transportation Committee before making an additional change.