Whether searching for a space near a workplace, restaurant or store, parking is a persistent issue in downtown Durango. The city announced several plans to address congestion that will roll out this spring.
In May, the city will launch a pilot permit parking program for workers and implement “demand-based pricing” at downtown parking meters. Transportation Director Sarah Hill said the city will also request quotes to conduct a feasibility study and financial analysis for a parking garage.
Those quoted costs will be presented to Durango City Council for a decision on whether to move forward with a garage study, she said.
From May 1 through Oct. 31, downtown workers will be able to purchase $20-per-month permits allowing them to park in city-owned lots and 91 designated on-street meters, Hill said at a City Council study session Tuesday.
Designated parking lots include those at the Transit Center and on the 400, 600, 700 and 800 blocks of East Second Avenue. Permits also apply to underused meters on Main Avenue from 12th to 14th streets, and on Seventh, Eighth and Ninth streets between Camino del Rio and Narrow Gauge Avenue, according to a map provided by the city.
City Council previously approved using a portion of lodgers tax revenue to fund the pilot program, Hill said.
“The intent of (the program) is to provide affordable parking options for downtown employees within the central business district to reduce the impact of parking on neighborhoods adjacent to downtown, and also to support thriving local businesses by improving access for our downtown customers,” she said.
The city will also resume demand-based parking for downtown meters from May 1 through Oct. 31, which it defines as the peak season for visitors and downtown activity.
The strategy increases meter rates in high-demand areas to encourage quicker turnover and shift demand to less-used spaces, Hill said.
“This is just a reminder to the community that on the blocks that have really high demand this summer, you will see a slight rate increase on those meters,” she said.
She said meter prices will not exceed at $1.50 per hour at the most in-demand locations. Residents can visit an interactive map at durangoco.gov/parking to check where parking spots are more likely to be available.
cburney@durangoherald.com
