Palmer, Alaska, will conduct a parking study to explore potential changes to downtown parking regulations. The study, prompted by recent social media discussions and concerns about parking availability, will involve community input and aims to address the city's evolving parking needs.
Vehicles occupy on-street parking on Dec. 16, 2024 in front of the would-be home of Bear Naked BBQ in Palmer. (Amy Bushatz / Mat-Su Sentinel) PALMER — A proposed Palmer parking study expected to be approved by the City Council will examine possible changes to regulations in the downtown business area, an issue thrust back into the spotlight this month after a social media post that has since been deleted garnered attention across the state.
The study will evaluate current parking needs and whether the city should update space requirements for new businesses. It will include a series of community listening sessions with business owners and residents, city officials said at a council meeting late last month. A request for proposals to hire a contractor for the study is expected to be approved by the council early next year. The study is part of an ongoing debate over parking requirements for downtown businesses and whether the rules should be waived for new establishments. The issue came to a head over the summer when visitors crowded parking lots during the Friday Fling street fair and evening live concerts at the Palmer Alehouse. A widely shared social media post last week reignited the discussion while creating confusion about the current rules and drawing criticism toward some business owners who regularly speak out about changes they say are needed. The city Planning Commission recommended the study in September. It will be funded through city operating funds, officials said earlier this month. Beloved for its walkability, downtown Palmer is home to dozens of restaurants and shops, some in buildings dating to the 1940s. Parking is available on streets, on private property and in a handful of public lots scattered throughout the area. City officials and business owners told the City Council and Planning Commission during recent meetings that the city’s growth and changing needs have increased the need for updated parking rule
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