Compiled by Adam Aasen
The Carmel City Council met March 20 to discuss several items dealing with parking.
What happened: The Carmel City Council unanimously approved a $4.5 million installment-purchase agreement to help finance the parking garage that will be part of the mixed-use development owned by Chuck Lazzara across from Bub’s Burgers in the Carmel Arts & Design District.
- What it means: Plans call for Lazzara to construct the 200-space, $3.5 million to $4.5 million garage, which will be for the general public and owned by the city. The city would make payments, with interest, to purchase it.
- What’s next: The deal is now approved and the project will proceed.
What happened: City councilor Tony Green introduced an ordinance dealing with parking restrictions for commercial vehicles, construction vehicles and trailers.
- What it means: Green said it’s been an issue for awhile in Southwest Clay, and the idea is that commercial or construction vehicles 20-feet in length or more would not be allowed to park for more than four hours unless it’s in the middle of a construction project or delivering goods. This would prevent the large vehicles from being parked along the street overnight.
- What’s next: The bill was sent to committee.
What happened: City councilor Ron Carter introduced an ordinance regarding parking of motorized vehicles on city sidewalks, multi-use paths and bicycle lanes.
- What it means: Carter said this addresses an ongoing issue of people parking their cars, motorcycles and motorized scooters on sidewalks and on bike lanes. He said it’s especially a problem in warm weather months. Festivals fill up parking lots and sometimes motorcyclists try to create a parking spot where there isn’t one. Carter noted that the city already regulates use of motorized vehicles on bike paths and trails, and so it makes sense to regulate the parking on them. Violaters would be subject to a fine of $10 for the first offense, $25 for the second $100, plus costs, for subsequent violations. There would be a system for seven-day permits for certain people to park their vehicles.
- What’s next: The bill was sent to committee.
