Ellsworth Downtown Parking Study

Notes from Public Meeting of January 10, 2008 at 5:30PM:

Sixteen people were present representing downtown businesses and the city. See list. Tom Gorrill and Jennifer Williams of Gorrill-Palmer Consulting Engineers, Inc presented the draft final report with a slide show and discussion:

Discussion Highlights:

• The survey date (Monday July 23, 2007) was a jury selection day at the courthouse (65 candidates looking for parking) and was overcast with drizzle in the afternoon.

• The survey found an adequate supply overall with sub-areas where competition for parking spots is intense. These very busy locations contribute to the perception of a parking shortage.

• Assistance and incentives need to be devised to encourage use of outlying parking.

• Though the study is not completed, positive results have already been realized as more people are using remote lots for all-day parking. This had an effect on the survey results as well.

• Evening parking demand can be high, but is adequate if people can find the lots.

• A simple map of public parking areas handout would be very helpful.

• The “underutilized areas” on a map in the report are difficult to decipher.

• The projected growth and development in the report are for general planning purposes only. The specifics mentioned will likely change.

• Some deliberate avoidance of parking regulations has been observed. This needs to be considered when finalizing a parking management plan.

• Parking garages are very expensive at about $18,000 per space and not currently needed in Ellsworth per the survey figures.

• Parking meters and parking structures are given as recommendations in the draft. The final report should mention them as future possibilities with some general guidelines for use.

• Businesses may work with other private owners to arrange for parking needs. The public parking will likely remain open to all.

• One parking area, such as the City Hall main lot, should be made the clear destination for tourists to simplify directional signage.

• Funding of enforcement, maintenance and parking improvements could be done by a downtown tax or fee system.

• The southerly public lot on Franklin Street and the public lot on Hancock Street were built by the City on property owned by the Methodist Church. An agreement was made to allow public use of these parking lots.

• RV’s need to be directed to a large parking area with perhaps a time limit.

• People have been using city hall as a park and ride lot. This use should be redirected.

• Police, Fire and some county departments may be moved to another location in a few years.

• Pedestrian safety downtown and connections to city Hall need improvements.

• More parking for handicapped people needs to be considered, perhaps near the Grand.

• Signage and other educational efforts of the public should be the highest priority.

• Time limits are used to create parking area turnover. Time limits need to be determined with various uses in mind.

• The Committee should meet again to discuss the next draft before it is finalized.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.