Diving Into Downtown Parking: Surprising Study Results Reveal Major Space Underutilization in Lexington

Diving Into Downtown Parking: Surprising Study Results for Lexington Residents

Residents of Lexington could be scratching their heads over new findings regarding the parking situation in their bustling downtown area. A recent study conducted by the firm Kimley-Horn and Associates has revealed something that might perplex those who often struggle to find a parking spot: a vast majority of the parking spaces in downtown Lexington often go unused!

Parking Spaces Galore, but Where Are the Cars?

With a whopping 3,300 parking spaces identified in downtown Lexington, the study found that many of these spaces remain empty throughout the day. During a recent work session, members of the Lexington Town Council discussed the study results, which indicated that even during peak hours, parking occupancy remains relatively low. For example, on a typical midday weekday, only about 41% of public spaces and 29% of private spaces were filled. That’s less than half of the available spots!

The weekend numbers are even more shocking — only about 20% of public spaces and 11% of private spaces were occupied. This means that even when special events roll around, the maximum capacity barely reaches a quarter of all the parking available.

It’s Not Just Busy Events

Interestingly, the only time spots neared their full capacity (over 85%) was during specific events in the amphitheater lot and the South Church Street lot. “When parking lots along Main Street and Maiden Lane are at capacity, nearby lots, like those along South Lake Drive, remain well under capacity,” the study cleverly noted.

A Closer Look at Dates and Data

The townsfolk at the meeting also noted that the study seemed to rely on only a few selected dates: August 28th, August 31st, and October 10th. One of these fell on Labor Day weekend, while another coincided with the State Fair, leaving some council members scratching their heads. “I was baffled by the way this was put together,” commented Town Councilman Gavin Smith. “The average citizen will tell you it’s hard to find parking downtown!”

Possible Solutions Brewing?

Amidst the confusion, Town transportation director Randy Edwards explained that $25,000 was allocated for this exploration of downtown parking. “We wanted to determine what was and wasn’t available,” he said, emphasizing how community assumptions concluded that parking spaces were always at a premium.

The study utilized drone footage to capture parking patterns and noted that two-thirds of the analyzed parking spaces are privately owned, mainly clustered near downtown core offices and local churches. However, council members pointed out that even if private lots seem full, they may not be accessible for visitors aiming to enjoy the downtown area.

Accessibility and Additional Spaces Needed

Moreover, the study found about 140 accessible parking spaces in downtown Lexington, with only 30 public spaces marked for easy access — slightly above industry standards. Smith raised concerns about the challenges people with mobility issues face, especially when public lots are closed for events.

Future Considerations: A Parking Garage?

As conversations surrounding the parking problem continue, the study mentions the exciting possibility of a new parking garage to alleviate space issues. Suggested locations include Maiden Lane and East Butler streets, which could add over 100 spaces to the downtown lot. This could potentially maximize visitor traffic while boosting local business revenues!

As Councilman Smith aptly pointed out, the current situation creates a frustrating cycle where visitors park in commercial lots and then take up spaces meant for customers. “We’ve caused a scenario where a shortage of parking is causing businesses to lose revenue!” he exclaimed.

Looking Forward

Mayor Hazel Livingston expressed a keen interest in gathering more data as the holiday shopping season approaches, suggesting that further research into the parking patterns could yield more insightful recommendations. “We’ll wait for the final study before making any calls,” she affirmed.

So buckle up, Lexington! While parking may still feel tricky at times, the wheels are turning on a potential transformation that could make your downtown visits a breeze!