When it comes to parking in Midtown, Tallahassee officials say the some property surrounding the police department could provide a solution.
City officials say there’s enough room for a parking garage in the area, which could be used for police or public use. Commissioner Nancy Miller supports the idea.
“I was particularly impressed with what you suggested around the police station, because the parking at the senior center is impossible. There are so many times where thank goodness we’re city officials because they’ve saved us a spot, but other than that, you’re in trouble,” Miller says.
And the police station is just one idea for increased parking in midtown. During a workshop in the issue, commissioners asked city staff to work with developers to identify opportunities for addressing parking in the area.
Meanwhile, city staff is also working to address concerns about parking in the All Saints District. After a dirt lot near Gaines Street closed so construction could begin, many started to worry they wouldn't be able to find parking in the area. But city/county planner Cherie Bryant says there’s plenty of space to park. Some people just don’t know where to find it.
"With a lot of that private development, there were some public parking spaces that were built into it, but we’ve gotten feedback that it’s not always clear to the public that they can park in those spaces,” Bryant says.
The city is planning to install signs to make parking spaces more clear. They should be in place by about the middle of the month.