Shocking Parking Findings Leave Lexington Drivers Scratching Their Heads!
LEXINGTON — If you’ve ever driven through downtown Lexington, desperately searching for a parking spot, you’re not alone. Countless drivers have voiced their frustrations over parking challenges in the area. However, new research is presenting a perplexing twist: despite those frustrations, it turns out that most of downtown’s parking spots are just sitting there empty!
Study Uncovers Surprising Parking Levels
In a recent study conducted by the firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, researchers dug into how many parking spaces are used in the downtown area. They evaluated the parking scenario across three selected dates this year and the findings raised quite a few eyebrows. Of the 3,300 identified parking spots, *most of them were hardly being used at all!*
During peak weekday hours, a mere 41% of public spaces and 29% of private spaces were occupied, which means that only about one-third of all the parking was taken! The situation got even bleaker over the weekends, with max occupancy rounding out at only 20% for public and a meager 11% for private spots. Even during special events, parking reached only about 25% capacity. The situation was only slightly better when it came to lots near the amphitheater and South Church Street, which hit occupancy rates of about 85% or more during certain events.
Council Members Voice Concerns
During a recent work session, Mayor Hazel Livingston shared the results with the Town Council, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive study as the holiday season approaches. “Some didn’t feel like enough dates had been looked at,” Mayor Livingston admitted, indicating that they would solicit additional data for a clearer picture. There was even concern voiced by Councilman Gavin Smith who noted that some of the study days coincided with holidays like Labor Day and the State Fair. “I was baffled by the way this was put together,” he shared. “The average citizen will tell you it’s hard to find parking downtown.”
What’s the Real Problem?
So, why the disconnect? It seems that there’s a common belief among residents that *downtown parking is scarce,* but the study suggests otherwise. Many citizens might be unaware that two-thirds of downtown parking is privately owned. That’s right! Some of our larger local churches—like the Lexington Baptist and Radius—have ample parking but may not be accessible to everyone visiting the area.
To make matters even more complicated, drivers flocking to local venues and events could inadvertently take up spaces needed by patrons of those very businesses! And guess what? While the study pegged 140 accessible parking spaces in the downtown area, the availability during peak times can be sporadic, leaving many without easy access.
Next Steps for Downtown Lexington
As a solution, the study suggested the possibility of constructing a parking garage to increase availability and accessibility. Some proposed locations include Maiden Lane, West Main, or East Butler Streets, which could add more than 100 new spaces! “A parking garage could not only provide more spaces but also serve as an economic development tool for the area,” the report noted.
Once revised data is collected, Mayor Livingston and the council plan to take a deeper dive into potential solutions like this alongside feedback from the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Stay Tuned!
As the town gears up for additional studies and looks towards addressing parking woes, it’s clear that parking in downtown Lexington is a hot topic. Whether you’re a regular driver or an occasional visitor, keep an eye on future updates to see how the town plans to change the parking landscape for the better.
So, next time you’re struggling to find a spot, remember that there might just be more room in downtown Lexington than you think!
