City holds information sessions next week on parking plan

The City of Whitefish is developing a Parking Action Plan to address current and future parking challenges in the downtown and adjacent residential neighborhoods.

They are looking for public input and providing opportunities including two open houses on Tuesday, July 16 at City Hall to hear about the many ideas and approaches being considered to address downtown parking.

The plan encompasses the downtown WB-3 commercial zone, including the Railway District, and adjacent residential neighborhoods.

“If you own a business downtown, work downtown, live in or near downtown, or ever need to find parking downtown, the approaches that are being considered as part of the Parking Action Plan probably affect you,” said City Planning Director Dave Taylor. “We are holding several public meetings so you can get involved and be part of solving our parking challenges. Please join us.”

On Tuesday, July 16, the city will host two public forums at City Hall. Anyone interested is welcome to stop by between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or over lunch between 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City staff and Dixon Resources Unlimited, the city’s professional parking consultants, will be available to take comments and answer questions. Refreshments will be provided.

Additionally, downtown parking will be the topic of a City Council work session on Monday, July 15 from 6 to 7 p.m., where the consultant will discuss the plan’s initial findings. Council work sessions are open to the public.

Questions about the upcoming meetings may be directed to City Planner Hilary Lindh at hlindh@cityofwhitefish.org or 863-1254.

Additional information about the Parking Action Plan and how you can participate is also available on the City’s Long Range Planning webpage: http://www.cityofwhitefish.org/planning-and-building/long-range-plans.php