Board refers downtown parking review to planning board after Oak Street proposal

Commissioner Patterson asked the board to review the town’s restricted-parking designations and consider removing employee restrictions on short blocks closest to Main Street — citing Oak Street between Third and Fourth as an example — to create additional visitor parking.

Patterson said several areas could be reconsidered: the 12 spaces at the corner of Oak and Fourth, parallel spaces across that street, the old Playhouse lot (8–10 spaces), and five spaces behind the Cannon Building that provide a direct walk-through to Main Street. He estimated the changes could yield roughly 20 additional convenient spaces for shoppers and visitors.

Commission discussion noted trade-offs: employees may object to longer walks, and some municipal and police lots are already heavily used. Board members suggested the planning board examine the whole parking map, including electric vehicle charging needs and possible signage or restrictions.

Action: the board voted to send the parking plan to the planning board for study and recommendations. Staff and the planning board will return with options for restrictions, signage, EV charging additions and possible use of underused lots.