By Sadie Hunter
On June 16, the City of Noblesville released a statement regarding parking issues downtown at the newly opened Federal Hill Commons park.
Since its opening earlier this year, popular events have caused congested traffic in the area.
“Since the park’s grand opening on May 13, officials have noticed that nearby private parking lots are being used instead of larger public lots,” the press release stated.
“We want to encourage people to use the Riverview Health overflow lot directly across from Federal Hill Commons so normal business operations can continue in the private parking lots around the park,” Parks Director Brandon Bennett stated. “A police officer is stationed at the intersection of Conner Street and (Ind.) 19 to assist pedestrians in crossing,. We appreciate our neighbors being understanding, but we want to make sure we are not intruding on their businesses during events because there (are) plenty of parking opportunities in public spaces.”
The city said “no event parking” signs will be placed at the entrances of private parking lots north of Logan Street, which includes Kroger’s parking lot. This change took effect June 17.
“Demand for the Farmers Market has steadily increased each of the last three years,” Noblesville Main Street CEO Chris Owens stated. “Seeing attendance at an all-time high, we’ve been monitoring traffic with staff from Noblesville Parks and the Noblesville Police Dept. All three of our organizations are working collaboratively to educate our patrons to the parking options around Federal Hill Commons. We have directed our collective efforts to helping people transition to this wonderful new venue.”
Since the design phase of Federal Hill Commons, the City of Noblesville has said the park was designed as a walkable, urban park where on-site parking spaces would be limited and that there are more than 1,1100 free, public parking spaces within a five-minute walk.
