Palmer to study its downtown parking, develop new plan

Palmer’s city council has approved a new study for parking and pedestrian and bicycle access in its downtown core. Parking has become a problem at times with the growth of retail and, in summer, community events like the popular “Friday Fling.”

The council approved up to $50,000 for the study. Community Development Director Brad Hanson said he hopes to get a formal Request for Proposals, or RFP, out quickly, most likely between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. About a month will be allowed for responses, he said.

The city’s hopes are to have the study completed by early summer.

An outline for the RFP says, “The City of Palmer seeks an experienced and capable consultant team to perform essential studies (for)… a Parking Management Strategic Plan for its Central Business District (CBD).”

The plan will update the underlying assumptions of existing parking regulations and that parking policy is an essential factor in the creation of a vibrant downtown core. The plan will reflect current and future needs for the city’s public lots and on-street parking, assess all policy aspects affecting parking supply and demand, including future public parking lot development and privately owned and operated parking.

The plan will also consider downtown Palmer as a preferred location for community celebrations and events, propose pedestrian access, and suggest facilities improvements, the RFP outline said.

The city has experienced a revitalization of its downtown since 2005 with the adoption of central business district zoning. Sixty building permits have been issued since 2005 including permits for 11 new structures, the outline said. Permits were also issued for conversion of residential to commercial uses.

“These investments have strengthened Palmer’s ability to provide essential services that support the ongoing success” of downtown Palmer, the outline said.

The problem now is that there may be too much success at least at certain times. Restaurants and bars, as well as community events, can create a lively atmosphere in a community but the lack of parking can put a damper on it.

It can lead to conflicts, too, a recent example being the dustup between a businessman desiring to open a new restaurant and the owner of downtown hotel, which also had a restaurant, over limited local parking and allegations this impaired business.