The City of Gainesville plans to introduce a paid parking system downtown by spring 2025 to improve parking availability.
A press release from the city said the “ParkGVL” app will use a ticketless QR code system that records drivers' license plates, vehicle make/model and parking zone before rendering payment.
Users can also send a text message to a specific number, to pay.
"Despite the City continuing to offer free, untimed and covered parking in the Main Street and Gainesville North parking decks, we have for many years observed drivers occupying parking spaces directly on the square and side streets for extended periods of time – throughout the day and evening," City Manager Bryan Lackey said. "I’d even go as far to say that sometimes we observe the same vehicles occupying spaces for six, seven, even eight hours straight or longer."
City officials say paid parking would make more spaces accessible for those who need them most like the elderly, individuals with mobility issues and people recovering from injuries.
"When it comes down to it, these parking spaces are intended for those coming into town to support downtown restaurants, retailers and service providers," Lackey said. "By implementing a semi-hourly rate, our hope is those who intend to use these spaces to enjoy a meal, grab coffee with a friend or do a little shopping won’t mind paying an additional $1-$2 to support their favorite small business(es). This system is not structured to serve as a revenue generator, but to discourage those who plan to stay for great lengths of time – either most of or the entire day – from taking these spots and instead utilizing our free parking decks, which are well within walking distance to any destination on the square."
Subject to approval by the Gainesville City Council, certain sections of the following streets will implement pay-to-park spaces by early May: Bradford Street, Brenau Avenue, Broad Street, Green Street, Main Street, Maple Street, Spring Street and Washington Street. Signage may be installed as soon as April. The proposed Gainesville Downtown Parking Map & Guide can be found here.
"Paid parking also promotes fairness by ensuring that everyone pays for use of public parking spaces, preventing a situation where a few individuals or businesses dominate parking areas, leaving others with limited options," Lackey said. "While we are thrilled by the support many businesses receive on a daily basis, the City also fields calls from other businesses that may not open until the later morning or whose more mature customers experience difficulty finding parking within a comfortable walking distance to their destination."
The Gainesville City Council plans to vote on the proposal at its Tuesday, Mar. 4 meeting at the Gainesville Public Safety Complex.
Those who park on the square would pay 25 cents for every half-hour up to two hours ($1 total for two hours). After two hours, a $4 hourly rate would take effect until midnight. From midnight to 7 a.m., no fee is proposed at this time.
Parking in the three decks will remain free.
The funds generated would be directed back into the City’s general fund, similar to parking ticket revenue, and would be overseen by the Gainesville Municipal Court. The City would be responsible for enforcing these proposed parking regulations.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/2/1288498/gainesville-to-implement-paid-parking-system-for-certain-spaces-on-downtown-square