The Cookeville City Council will consider an overhaul to public parking regulations when they meet next month.
City Planning Director James Mills said the idea came about when SAIC located in downtown Cookeville, bringing some 300 jobs.
“We knew they were going to bring 300 jobs and how that would have a significant impact on parking in the downtown,” Mills said. “We looked at some of the parking lots in the vicinity of SAIC and noticed some issues and after reviewing our current regulations we thought we might have some problems in trying to solve some of these issues. That’s what this ordinance is all about.”
Changes would include restricting corporate vehicles, trailers, and merchandise in public parking areas.
“One of the issues we noticed was that portions of our public parking were taken up by long-term parking for business interests,” Mills said. “We also noticed that materials were being stored in our parking areas. All of this was taking away available parking for the public and those who shop downtown.”
Parking violation penalties would also increase from $5 to $10 and the measure would also allow for the future possibility of paid parking by meter.
The council will hold a public hearing and a first reading vote on the changes when they meet in regular session on November 2nd at 5:30 p.m. inside city hall.
“I would encourage anybody with concerns or questions to come to the November meeting,” Mills said. “Anyone who would like to review them are more than welcome to contact our office.”
