LANCASTER, Pa. — People in Lancaster got their first look at preliminary plans to improve the City's Residential Parking Permit Program.
This comes after city leaders spent months getting public input about the system during the Lancaster parking permit study that was launched during the spring. Hundreds reportedly gave their input.
At Tuesday's meeting, city leaders presented a plan that would see the use of data such as parking demand and traffic generators on the street.
"One of our main recommendations tonight is to bring data as far as the decision-making process and really understand how to manage in these neighborhoods," said Robert Ferrin, a consultant with Kimley-Horn.
Under the current system, certain streets restrict parking for people who have a residential parking permit. Meanwhile, other other streets allow people to park anywhere.
In May, a City of Lancaster official told FOX43 that the system could put a strain on those who live near, but not on, a parking permit zone.
People who don’t live on permit streets have complained that finding parking in front of their house is a challenge, with some being forced to park on blocks away from where they live.
“With each house, you’re having two or three cars. So it makes it harder to find parking at any time of the day," said Riley Laurie, who lives on Chester Street.
The plan is still in the draft phase with recommendations being accepted online at the Engage Lancaster website throughout August. Final recommendations will be heard on Sept. 10 with the fall being the earliest that the changes could take effect.