A Message From The Mayor About Downtown Parking
Posted by Rick Hobart, Mayor on Jan 27, 2020
Greetings to all Vernonia citizens, visitors, business, and property owners. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of my own thoughts on the issue of downtown parking here within the City of Vernonia.
As most of you are aware, parking spaces are limited within the downtown main street corridor. Most existing downtown buildings have been upgraded, developed and maintained for the well-being of our community. As a result of recent small business growth, an ever-increasing demand for main street parking has evolved.
After the 2007 flood, several large lots near the downtown corridor have become the property of the City of Vernonia and are under the umbrella of FEMA restrictions. These lots now serve the City as designated parking lots and do not serve any other purpose.
Vernonia Planning Commission has been working on the parking situation for several years now. Several public workshops on the proposed amendments including a public hearing at the January 21, 2020 Council meeting have been held. I was very encouraged with the public response and participation at the public hearing. Information was exchanged between business and property owners, City Staff, and City Council.
After the public hearing closed and Council deliberation on this proposal followed, there were still unanswered questions. Council agreed to further discuss this issue at the February 18, 2020 Council meeting.
As the discussion continues, I ask the citizens, business owners and business employees to be considerate and patient when using our limited public and private parking spaces in the downtown corridor. I would also like to remind everyone that there are parking lots near the downtown corridor. Below is a map showing the locations of City owned public parking lots in and around the downtown area. It is only by working together that a viable solution can be reached that works the best for everyone here in Vernonia.
Respectfully, Mayor Rick Hobart
