Parking Review Group created to assess city's needs in both the short and long term

The Union Street parking lot is often one of the first to fill up due to the heavy mix of businesses and rental units in close proximity. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - One city councilor recently opined that Rochester having a parking problem is sort of a good thing, because it shows the downtown is attracting a crowd, but the reality is the city already has a problem and the sooner plans are made to alleviate that problem the better.

With that in mind, City Manager Blaine Cox is organizing a Parking Review Group to assess the most crucial needs of the city when it comes to parking availability.

Kendall Spewock of Admiral Property LLC, which manages numerous rental units throughout the city, said the city needs to move forward with improving the availability of parking spaces for downtown tenants if they want to "sustain their downtown lifestyle."

She said the city's economic development team has been looking at it for some time.

"The city has new tenants that are not being taken into account," she said. 'We need a parking solutions."

Spewock believes it's inevitable that Rochester will sooner or later begin charging for downtown parking much like Dover does.

Cox' Parking Review Group will comprise various elected and city officials, as well as someone from the police department, a Rochester Main Street member and downtown businesses, downtown residential property owners, renters and business owners.

The Parking Review Group's first meeting is set for 3 p.m. on Feb. 17.

All meetings will be open to the public.