For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Norman

301.698.8118

knorman@xecu.net

DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED

Frederick, Md. ---- As outlined, the newly released Downtown Parking Study calls for a series of immediate, near and long-term actions to ensure downtown parking is convenient and efficient. The proposed parking study offers a balance of short and long term parking options to best serve a variety of different users. “The Parking Study and Task Force recommendations will help The City of Frederick set its parking priorities for the future. It also will ensure we make the proper investment in infrastructure at the proper time,” said Mayor Dougherty.

Desman, Inc. developed the Downtown Parking Study in partnership with a Task Force of City and County staff, downtown merchants, and other downtown stakeholders. According to Fred Eisenhart, the City’s Director of Public Works “the interaction of the diverse members of the Task Force has produced a comprehensive and workable plan to guide the parking program over the next 10 years.” Mayor Dougherty added, “I thank all the citizens who participated to make this a success.”

The comprehensive parking study includes recommendations to formalize a parking enterprise fund, build new parking decks, adjust parking rates and fees and establish a free satellite shuttle program. Implementation of the parking study will increase the availability of spaces for short-term users while providing new options for long-term parkers. “The adoption of a comprehensive parking vision for Downtown Frederick assures that parking will be convenient and accessible for years to come,” said Jonathan Warner, Task Force member and downtown realtor.

The program looks at all needs including residential parking. Recommendations include improving the resident parking program, expanding alleys and providing other places for long-term users to park besides residential streets. Bob Smariga, legislative coordinator for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce commented that “the Task Force has proposed many solutions that, when implemented, will benefit the entire community.”

The Downtown Parking Study will be presented to the Mayor and Board for adoption at an upcoming public meeting. The Mayor and Board will take additional action as specific projects are initiated.

“It is important to understand the study as a whole. There are increases in costs, but all of the recommendations together make parking in downtown easier and friendlier. It should enable short term users access to meters and encourage long term users to use the shuttle and decks,” Clyde Hicks, Task Force member and downtown merchant.

“Working proactively to address parking is very important for Downtown Frederick,” said Kara Norman, Executive Director of the Greater Frederick Development Corporation, “and this study gets the next phase of the process off to the right start.”

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