By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Some badly needed parking is opening up in downtown Chatham.
Following a motion from Mayor Darrin Canniff, council approved the changes at the Dec. 15 council meeting.
According to a municipal media release, construction at 100 and 130 King St. has eliminated some of the street parking near King Street and Fifth Street, prompting the changes.
They include:
- a portion of the westbound turn lane at King and Fifth has been converted into two one-hour parking spots;
- the existing 15-minute parking spot will be relocated closer to the intersection at the west limit of the parking area;
- all remaining on-street parking spots on King Street between Fifth Street and William Street will be changed from two hour to one hour to encourage turnover and provide access;
- a ‘No Right Turn on Red’ restriction will be implemented for westbound traffic on King Street turning onto Fifth Street.
New signage has been installed to communicate the changes intended to offset the loss of parking caused by the ongoing improvements in the downtown area.
“Supporting our downtown businesses and keeping people moving safely remains a priority as our work to revitalize downtown Chatham continues,” the mayor said in a media release.
The changes are expected to remain in place for the duration of the construction activity in the area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to watch for new signage and pavement markings as the updates are implemented.