City of Wichita introduces new downtown parking plan option

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—In the final meeting to discuss paid parking in downtown, Old Town, and Delano, another option is now on the table for the City Council to consider.

The City of Wichita introduced a new downtown parking plan option during a public meeting Thursday evening. During the meeting, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson reviewed the four options outlined last week before introducing the new fifth option.

A former Wichita Police Officer, John David Crane, has first-hand experience patrolling parking.

"I was in the traffic bureau of the Wichita Police Department for 6 of my 25 years," he said.

Despite several options for paid parking, David Crane said he needs more information.

"There's a lot of questions that need to be answered," he said.

There's still concern about what any of the plans would do to businesses.

"If they put those meters back up, I agree with some other folks ... I'm been listen ... I think businesses are going to lose people that have to pay in front of a businesses you want to go to," said David Crane.

The four original options previously presented are similar regarding hours of operation and fees. This new option introduces a "phased approach."

More details revealed in Dodge City teen's death in state custody

Option E

Concepts:

Enhance operations and maintenance on lots and in garages (i.e. Clean & Safe) in 2025

Introduce higher rates on lots and in garages in 2025 to try and offset expenses

Introduce parking meters in the downtown core in 2026

No changes would be made in Delano; parking management in Delano would be reevaluated after the Hub opening

On-street and lot parking in Old Town would remain in its current form but would introduce one of the Option C revenue streams to help cover costs

Hours of operation:

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rates:

Fees will be charged at a flat rate of $0.75 or $3 per hour in parking lots and structures only in 2025 – there will be no on-street parking meters in 2025

In lieu of hourly charges, a daily rate of $5 or $18 will be offered in parking lots and $10 or $22 in parking structures

"The revenues over expenses year over year in Option E still doesn't pencil out," said Anderson. "Of all of the options, B, C, D, and E, none of the options are net positive. The only net positive option is Option A."

Rates continued:

In lieu of daily rates, users can enter into agreements with the City and pay only rates of per space per month in parking lots and per space per month in parking structures

Outside of the aforementioned hours of operation (note the fact that we did not include Sunday in the hours of operation), there will be no charge for parking and

Over the course of the first year, Staff will collect data on demand/occupancy and, after the first full year, return to the Council a recommendation to adjust rates, if necessary

Exceptions:

Old Town (i.e. Old Town will not have parking meters or time limits)

Accessible parking

Loading and ride-share designated parking

Event parking

Special events

Advantages:

Increased likelihood of recovering some costs associated with O&M and

Increases safety and security in the public lots and garages

Introduces some concepts of managing parking

Disadvantages:

Does not recover all costs associated with O&M