CRA approves parking study with Peacock Architects and discusses interim metering

The Delray Beach CRA voted April 28 to authorize a work assignment with Peacock Architects of Florida (DBA Peacock Architects) for up to $8,750 to prepare a due diligence package assessing whether the CRA‑owned surface lot at 362 Northeast 3rd Avenue (42 spaces) could be developed as a public parking structure.

Staff described the assignment as a high‑level planning assessment that will analyze applicable code and zoning, estimate practical parking yield, produce a conceptual layout (vehicular circulation, stair towers, elevators and support spaces) and provide a 3‑D massing model to show scale relative to surrounding businesses. "This work assignment would include the scope of work: analyze... the feasibility of developing the property as a public parking structure," staff told the board.

Board members discussed interim actions to address current parking pressure in the Artists Alley and Northeast 3rd Avenue area, including metering, an interlocal agreement with the city to manage enforcement and possible shared revenue arrangements to fund future parking infrastructure. Automated or mechanical parking technologies that increase capacity were mentioned as an option to research.

The motion to approve the Peacock Architects work assignment passed by voice vote. The board asked staff to pursue interlocal options with the city to manage the lot in the near term, to engage nearby businesses about changes, and to include automated parking and feasibility for metering in the consultant's scope.

Votes at a glance (recorded from the meeting): the motion to approve the Peacock Architects assignment passed by board voice vote; the board also appointed Commissioner Marker as deputy vice chair earlier in the meeting.