Alpena DDA still exploring paid parking options
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ALPENA -- The Alpena Downtown Development Authority remains engaged in coming up with a plan for paid parking in high-demand areas of downtown, but during Monday's meeting, board president Mike Mahler said it is likely there will be more free places to park compared to those with parking meters.
Mahler said the framework for a new parking system needs to be done where paid and free parking options are in the DDA district.
"We need to know where we are going to have paid parking versus unpaid parking, where we want to have hardware and what parking lots are free or pay to use," he said. "Approximately 24% of the spaces would be for pay, while 76% would be free to use. Of course, that 24% will be in the more key locations. There will be a lot of free parking if you're willing to walk a block.
The board also voted to allocate six parking stalls from one of the DDA parking lots to a developer who intends to build housing downtown. Mahler said the developer is interested in purchasing the old Garant's building and making apartments. He said a purchase agreement is conditioned upon receiving the six parking stalls that the developer will pay for."
As more development opportunities rise, especially for housing, Mahler said the DDA and City of Alpena need to have a plan to accommodate the developers and residents who need places to park, especially in the winter when curbside parking is limited.
He said the parking committee will look into developing a plan to where future residents will be able to park.
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.