A number of downtown parking spaces are moving from three-hour limits to free, all-day parking on a trial basis.
According to Executive Director of Public Works Dave Hayward, this change — which was approved by the Columbus Board of Works in December — is now in effect. The following areas are included in the trial: Fourth Street from Jackson to Franklin, Fifth Street from Jackson to Franklin, Sixth Street from Jackson to Franklin and Seventh Street from Jackson to Franklin.
“The Columbus Parking Commission recommended this change and will now begin collecting data to see how this change affects parking space availability along Washington Street,” said Hayward in a press release. “The duration of the revised regulations will be dependent on the results of the study.”
When asked about three-hour parking spaces on Jackson Street, he said this area is not part of the trial and will remain as posted.
In addition to the trial, the parking commission has also recommended that the Columbus Board of Works cut the cost of leasing spaces in two city-owned lots. However, the board recently decided to table the matter until March, as Hayward said making the change immediately might interfere with the results of the study.
Lots 3 and 10 are located at Fourth and Franklin and Seventh and Franklin, respectively. According to a memo from Hayward to the board, 30 out of 34 spaces in lot 3 are currently leased, but only 44 out of 86 in lot 10 are currently leased.
The commission is recommending that the cost of leasing space in these lots be cut from $65 per month to $32.50 to “maximize usage of current parking infrastructure.”
According to the Columbus Redevelopment Department’s website, monthly passes for the Jackson Street parking garage cost $65 for unreserved parking and $80 for a reserved space.
