By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Two community leaders expressed confidence this week that Warsaw’s new downtown parking policy will benefit both store owners and motorists.
After years of considering some kind of change — and following months of revisions — Warsaw City Council gave final approval last week to a plan that retains the traditional two-hour free parking but encourages motorists who work in the downtown to rely more on other parking options.
A vote to approve was unanimous, and the plan drew very little opposition from the public.
The new policy relies on technology to track parked vehicles and introduces a new $25 fine for those whose vehicles go beyond the two-hour free period.
Motorists parking in front of downtown stores will be asked to use a kiosk or app if they plan for their vehicle to remain parked after two hours and would pay a $1 per hour plus $2 for the first two hours.
A fine could be assessed for anyone parked for two hours who does not continue the service with the app or kiosk.
More frequent turnover of parking spots in front of local stores is the main goal.
“They are going to be far more efficient, and I just think the experience for people, merchants, and visitors is going to be a lot better,” said Mayor Jeff Grose, who joined Kociusko Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob Parker for this week’s In The Know, a public affairs show that airs this weekend.
The city will soon begin promoting the change with insights about the app and the kiosk.
A probationary period will begin this spring, and the new policy will be fully enacted this summer.
“I love the idea that everybody can continue to have the two-hour free parking, and I love it when government is more efficient,” Parker said.
The city will encourage daytime workers in the downtown to rely more on available parking lots that can be rented.
At the same time, the city is working on plans with Kociusko County officials to construct a parking garage.
Both Grose and Parker are big proponents of the proposed parking garage.
“This is a linchpin to some of the great projects we’re projecting to happen in the downtown,” Parker said. “Without that parking garage, it makes it difficult.”
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In The Know can be heard at the following times:
News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):
Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturdays at 7 a.m.
Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.
WRSW (107.3):
Sundays at 6 a.m.
Willie (103.5 FM):
Sundays at 6 a.m.
