CARRBORO — Carrboro town officials met all day Friday with local business people and other concerned citizens to find, at least, some short-term solutions to Carrboro’s public parking shortage.

“We all need parking,” says Cliff Collins, owner of Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro for more then 40 years.“We all need to share.”

Collins was one of several business owners that attended at least one of three Parking Summit sessions at the Century Center on Friday. The focus was on employee parking.

After one session, Alderman Michelle Johnson said she heard a lot of citizens complain that the parking downtown is barely adequate for people working there. She said that’s a potential turnoff to people who’d like to shop and dine there.

“The biggest concern is if employees are taking up [all the] parking,” she said.

Nathan Milian, manager of Carr Mill Mall, attended all three sessions. Milian said he liked a lot of the ideas he heard Friday, including shared spaces, park-and-ride lots, and the use of shuttles. He also thinks the days of free parking in Carrboro may be finished.

“I think all the ideas are good and viable,” he said. “I think it’s probably going to take a combination of all of them. But there’s a cost involved in it. And that’s one of the reasons I don’t see a way around having to go to paid parking.”

Economic & Community Development Director Annette Stone was a moderator at the summit. She said it may be time for the small Town of Carrboro to view parking more like people in Raleigh and Durham see it.

“Folks are routinely used to parking in a deck somewhere in downtown Raleigh and walking several blocks to where they need to be,” says Stone. “It’s just the growing pains of a vibrant downtown, like we have.”

Stone said the town will look over all of the suggestions presented on Friday, and come up with a presentation soon for the Board of Aldermen.

Related Stories
‹
Golden Fig Books Opens Carrboro Location in Carr Mill Mall
A bookstore based in Durham has officially opened its doors of a new location in downtown Carrboro. Golden Fig Books celebrated its grand opening in Carr Mill Mall on Friday, November 18, expanding to a second store. The business, which is independently owned by David Bradley, moved into the mall space previously filled by Townsend […]
Carrboro Pizza Oven Closing After Search for New Owners
The owner of Carrboro Pizza Oven, located in Carr Mill Mall, recently announced he is looking to sell the business.
Grata Cafe Moves Into Carrboro Space, Former Home of Elmo's Diner
The space formerly occupied by Elmo’s Diner in Carrboro will soon have a new restaurant. The Italian-themed eatery Grata Cafe is moving into Carr Mill Mall, according to its website. The restaurant plans to serve “Italian classics and inspired dishes cooked from scratch with love and consistency.” “Sunday supper is sacred in my home and […]
203 Project Moves Ahead With Carrboro Town Council's Approval of Design
The 203 Project, a major economic development project in downtown Carrboro, is now progressing to its permitting stages after the town council's approval.
Townsend Bertram & Company Closing in Carrboro, Holding 'Retirement Sale'
A business staple in downtown Carrboro will soon close its doors after more than three decades. Townsend Bertram & Company outfitters shop in Carr Mill will be closing for good in the next few weeks, according to its owner Audrey Townsend. Townsend started the business with her husband, Scott Bertram, in 1988. It’s remained at […]
Carrboro Task Force Working on More Historical Markers
A historical plaque to be ceremonially unveiled Tuesday at the entrance of Carrboro Town Hall commemorates the town’s roots and its commitments to the goals of social equity. But conversations about markers for other pieces of Carrboro history are already in the works. In late March, the Board of Aldermen heard updates from the town […]
This is Tourism: Carr Mill Mall
Carr Mill Mall, located in the heart of Carrboro, is home to more than 25 local and family-owned businesses and offices. It’s also on the National Register of Historical Places, and even acts as a live music venue from time to time! Built in 1898, Carr Mill Mall was originally known as the “Alberta Mill […]
No, No, No Signs at Carr Mill Mall
Hey Carrboro! Why do you want me to be so fat? I’m trying to lose some weight here.  With so many good restaurants opening in my downtown neighborhood, this is getting harder all the time. Rise Biscuits & Donuts just opened two blocks from my house with an amazing display of fabulous treats.  How is […]
Carrboro Approves 'Summer Streets' Road Closures
Carrboro leaders approved a plan to open Weaver Street to pedestrians this summer, but some business owners are worried it will impact their bottom line.
Carrboro: Roads Closed Due To Multiple Down Power Lines Following Crash
The Town of Carrboro released a traffic alert following an accident that brought down multiple power lines.
›