Study Reveals Unused Parking Spaces in Downtown Lexington Despite Residents’ Concerns

What’s the Deal with Parking in Downtown Lexington?

If you’re one of those folks who have ever driven through the busy streets of Lexington searching for a parking spot, you might be scratching your head after hearing the findings from a recent study. Surprisingly, it turns out that most of the parking spaces downtown are actually going unused! Yes, you heard that right. This fresh info has caught the attention of the Lexington Town Council, who recently got the scoop during a work session.

The Study

Researchers from Kimley-Horn and Associates dug into the data and combed through parking habits on three specific days this year. Their investigation revealed that among the total 3,300 parking spaces identified in downtown, many of them sit empty throughout much of the day. Doesn’t sound like the chaos you’d expect, right?

During a typical midday on weekdays, about 41% of the public spots and 29% of the private spaces were taken, which averages out to around a third of the total parking being occupied. But wait, it gets even more perplexing! On weekends, only about 20% of public spaces and 11% of private ones were filled. Even during special events, only about a quarter of available parking spaces were utilized! The only time parking lots came close to full capacity was at certain locations near the amphitheater, such as the South Church Street lot.

What Do Residents Think?

Hazel Livingston acknowledged that some Council members felt the study only scratched the surface. It turns out that two of the study dates coincided with big events—one was during Labor Day weekend and the other during the State Fair. Councilman Gavin Smith expressed his bemusement, stating, “The average citizen will tell you it’s hard to find parking downtown.”

The Bigger Picture

Interestingly, Lexington’s transportation director, Randy Edwards, explained that they set aside $25,000 for this study due to residents’ ongoing concerns about parking availability. “For years, people have made the assumption that parking is not available downtown,” he said. The intention was to get a clearer picture of what parking actually looks like in the area.

The research surveyed various spots along Main Street and neighboring blocks, including parking options near county offices. They even used drone footage to capture real-time parking patterns throughout the day! Shockingly, two-thirds of the parking inspected is privately owned. Most public spaces are located around the town’s administrative offices, with a cluster of about 900 spaces near Maiden Lane and South Lake Drive.

Accessible Spaces & Challenges

Even when it comes to accessible parking spaces, the study noted some challenges. Approximately 140 downtown parking spaces are labeled as “accessible,” which amounts to about 2.5%, slightly surpassing the industry standard. Smith pointed out that during events at the amphitheater, four ADA-accessible spaces were blocked, leading to difficulties for those with mobility issues.

These findings prompted Smith to emphasize the pressing need for improved accessibility. As the study suggests, while the numbers indicate there’s parking to be had, the reality is that people generally encounter challenges finding a spot close to their desired destination. “We’ve caused a scenario where people seeking out these great venues might park for hours at a restaurant or retail or business parking lot,” he explained.

What’s Next for Lexington?

With the holiday shopping season just around the corner, Mayor Livingston expressed optimism about a broader study to get more comprehensive data. She hopes to engage the disabled community more thoroughly to appreciate their true challenges navigating downtown.

The findings also hint at the prospect of a new parking garage being built in downtown Lexington. Possible locations have even been suggested, which could add more than 100 spaces to the area! But the ultimate decision will hinge on revised data that will address both the existing parking demand and the perceptions of residents.

As for now, the Town Council is taking a step back to re-evaluate the parking situation and strategize on how to enhance accessibility and options for everyone visiting downtown. “We’ll wait until the final study comes back before making any judgment calls,” Livingston confirmed.

So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, stay tuned; it seems Lexington is gearing up for some significant changes in the parking game!