LYNN — The city’s planning department, in collaboration with Stantec Transportation Planners, has produced a comprehensive summary of its strategy to improve and optimize parking in the downtown area.

Goals of optimizing parking availability outlined in the Downtown Parking Strategy were also set forth in the city’s comprehensive 20 year plan titled Vision Lynn.

Recommendations were determined after input was gathered from a community-wide survey that was distributed to the public, discussions with stakeholders such as North Shore Community College Students, members of Greater Lynn Senior Services, the Police Department, Lynn Community Health Center, and two public meetings were held to gain feedback from the community. A comprehensive report was also released identifying key areas of concern in regards to parking downtown.

The parking strategy addresses four areas: the current parking regulations, the “haphazard” pricing system, street maintenance conditions and practices, and parking capacity.

One of the key recommendations emphasizes either extending or removing time restrictions from parking downtown and implementing performance-based pricing, meaning parking that is in higher demand would cost more and parking that is in lower demand would cost less.

The study recognizes that the current regulations limit street parking to just one to two hours, which was stressed by those who gave input that time restrictions reduce their desire to visit downtown.

According to the Stantec presentation, the study also suggests providing free short-term parking spaces in priced or high-demand areas so people who need to conduct 10 to 15 minute visits could park conveniently free-of-charge. The study provides the reason behind this recommendation is to reduce illegal double parking and parking in restricted areas.

“Pricing should be used as the means to manage parking demand rather than time limits,” Stantec’s presentation read.

The study also recognizes that current parking regulations are in conflict with a variety of visitor types, such as accessible vans and users of other other vehicles are not provided with designated places to park with appropriate dimensions for ease of access. This causes accessible vans and other vehicles to double park when space is not available.

The recommendation is to identify opportunities to “stripe and sign” specific spaces for accessibility on specific blocks where space is available. Additionally, dedicated sidewalk ramps would be provided where they are feasible.

Other recommendations include allowing businesses to request loading spaces, updating parking violations, expanding parking permit programs, and establishing a parking benefit district.

More information about the City’s downtown parking strategy can be found at Lynnincommon.com.