By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Warsaw City Council has taken the first step to revamp downtown parking policy, and City Planner Justin Taylor said he anticipates a final vote of support could happen when the council meets on Feb. 2.
The ordinance aims to eliminate inconsistent enforcement by using modern technology while also working to generate more turnover with parking spaces in front of downtown businesses.
City officials believe many of the parking spaces used for long stretches of time on weekdays come from downtown employees who like to park close to their workplace.
The current system has relied on parking attendants using notepads and chalk marks for decades. The idea of making changes to the policy has been considered for years and gained momentum about two years ago.
A call for changes was reflected in two recent studies, including Main Street Warsaw’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which was released in 2025.
Officials originally hoped to roll out the new plan last fall, but that process was slowed for several months as Taylor worked with the council and others to find a compromise on several aspects.
“We tried to get that balance between friendly and fair but firm,” Taylor said.
The technology will rely on an app and kiosks that are yet to be installed.
Those who visit downtown and use on-street parking for less than two hours will not be affected.
Parking is free for those who stay less than two hours.
Otherwise, it will cost $1 an hour for those who remain parked for more than two hours. The third hour would cost $3, and each additional hour would be $1.
For example, the charge for a vehicle parked for six hours would be $6, Taylor said.
“When you initially park, you don’t need to use the apps, but if you intend to stay longer than two hours, you would either need to use the kios or the app to extend your stay,” Taylor said.
The city oversees a handful of nearby parking lots available for rent that could help take pressure off of on-street parking, Taylor said.
He said the city is looking at making more parking available for rent and may consider offering a deep rental discount for those who work in the downtown as a way to free up more parking along city streets.
“That’s the intention. That’s what the mayor (Jeff Grose) would love to see happen, and that’s the direction we’re heading,” Taylor said.
The expansion could happen on a lot near Jefferson Street that is already owned by the city, he said.
“Right now, we’re thinking 75 spaces would be available for business owners, but still, that has to be finalized,” Taylor said.
If the council approves the plan, it could be up and running in March or April, he said.
Taylor said the new system would begin with a grace period.
He said they plan to review the changes after about a year.
