Section 1 Parking Study Overview

1.1 Background

This parking study, currently underway for the Town of Cary, will serve to examine the downtown areas existing parking from both a qualitative and quantitative standpoint. The study is also intended to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing parking issues associated with increased development and density envisioned for the downtown’s future.

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1.2 Scope of Services

Phase One of developing the parking study is a process of quantifying and qualifying the parking needs in the study to determine the parking demand for the study area. This is being accomplished through field work, utilization studies, surveys and a series of public and stakeholder meetings. The flow chart below details the process.

Phase One

Phase Two of the parking study will involve reviewing the current parking system, the existing facilities, parking policy, parking signage and wayfinding, and enforcement. Recommendations for short and long term parking improvements that combine the parking system and management improvements, with capital improvements will be assessed. The flow chart below details the process.

Phase Two

1.3 Study Area

The study area, as determined by the Town of Cary, is illustrated in Map #1, “Town of Cary – Study Area Map”. The strategic implementation plan covers the overall 50 block study area in terms of recommendations and planning for future scenarios. A more detailed examination of existing conditions was undertaken within a 23 block focus area. The focus area was examined specifically for existing conditions as they relate to commercial activity.

While the study involves developing strategies for future scenarios, existing conditions are also being analyzed in order to develop a comprehensive recommendations package that deals with short and long-term parking issues and needs.

The Cary study area consists of a mix of land uses including some residential, retail, office and restaurants. Important to the future considerations are the plans for an art and culture district, the New Town Hall and other development plans. In general Cary is transitioning towards a denser more active downtown area that will require a comprehensive parking strategy intended to address parking issues and needs as demands for parking increase.

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Insert Study Area Map 1 Here