As the Town of Chapel Hill works to provide more parking while reducing its surface lots downtown, plans for a parking deck on the West End of Franklin Street are being developed.

Town staff presented an updated proposal for a five-level parking deck to the Chapel Hill Town Council on November 20. The deck, located off South Roberson Street and where the West Franklin Basnight Lane and Courtyard lots sit, is estimated to contain more than 450 spaces. The council unanimously approved moving forward with the plans by authorizing the town manager to proceed with financial planning.

In its presentation, town staff said the construction of a deck on the West End would free up the equivalent of five surface parking acres of land, which the town hopes could then be developed into new business.

Chapel Hill mayor Pam Hemminger spoke with WCHL’s Aaron Keck following the council meeting. She said while the measure still promotes automobile use instead of alternative forms of transit, the town must improve parking to attract businesses like the health-tech company Well, which recently announced its move to Franklin Street.

“We want to encourage to get out of their cars in all kinds of ways.” Hemminger said. “But the reality is if we build a parking deck on the West End, we can get rid of all these little surface lots, have more office space and add the vibrancy downtown.”

Hemminger said adding a deck also would help bring more residents into the West End as well. She said during the town council race this year, she would ask people how they felt about the idea.

“I would just ask people on the campaign trail whether they come downtown and would they like a parking deck down there,” said Hemminger. “[They would say], ‘If I had a parking deck, I would come because I know there would be a place to park.’ There’s lots of places to park, but it’s a lot of small places on the West End, which adds to the confusion. With all those the small lots, [drivers] are not sure they’ll get a space. Having a deck, you’ll know where to aim.”

The presentation shows Chapel Hill is considering both spaces for lease and an hourly rate for public parking in the deck, like seen in other parking areas downtown.

The next step is a public hearing about the parking deck plans, which is set for the town council’s February 12 meeting.

Photo via Town of Chapel Hill.

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