If you think parking has been a problem in downtown Ocala, you are not alone, and now big changes are almost here. The city plans to add 148 new parking meters around the downtown area in conjunction with the completion of a huge new parking garage downtown that will have 400 parking spaces, where many of the parking spaces will be free.
A parking study conducted by the City of Ocala determined that although there is adequate parking in the city, there are some blocks with parking shortages. If actions are not taken to fix the parking problem, The opportunity for downtown to continue to grow and thrive is somewhat limited.
The parking garage will be located on the corner of Southeast Osceola Avenue and East 14th Street and is slated to open very soon. The plan is to encourage employees downtown to use the garage for parking so as to free up street parking for patrons. The new parking meters well offer traditional payment options via coins or credit cards, but users can also pay by cell phone. You can download an app and get notifications on your phone for when you need to add more money to the meter without having to walk to your vehicle. The city plans on installing the meters in mid to late October. Furthermore, there will be an option for residents to purchase reserved parking spots around downtown for a fee.
For more details on the new parking landscape of downtown Ocala and how this will continue to help the city, read the full article at Ocala.com.
