Changes to the paid parking program in Atlantic Beach will extend the time allotted for residents to utilize free parking. The City Commission voted unanimously to pass the amended ordinance on first reading May 26. A workshop was also held May 18 during which commissioners offered feedback on issues including designating a single space for take-out parking, enforcing overnight and problems with the app functions.
“This is a continuation of a conversation that we’ve been having over the last couple of meetings. We had a workshop on this and basically with the direction from the commission, we’ve prepared some draft language that would amend the paid parking ordinance to extend the amount of time that Atlantic Beach residents would not be charged for parking from 30 minutes to three hours for the Atlantic Beach spaces only,” said Deputy City Manager Shane Corbin.
If the ordinance is approved on final reading June 8, registered users will receive three hours of free parking in the designated spaces on the Atlantic Beach side of Town Center. Corbin said Atlantic Beach residents will still receive 30 minutes free on the Neptune Beach side.
“The city of Atlantic Beach at the time [the program started] did not feel like we could provide free parking to its residents,” said Planning Director Amanda Askew. “The intent of the program is to create turnover in the parking spaces, create a unified parking program and provide opportunities for employee parking. We launched the pilot program in conjunction with the city of Neptune Beach as an 18 to 24-month program. At the end of the program, we are going to evaluate the feasibility, the cost, the value and the effects [of paid parking].”
The ordinance reflects the issues directed by staff, residents and area merchants to create a seamless paid parking system in Town Center on each side of Atlantic Boulevard. Adding a space exclusively for take-out will help improve efficiency and make it easier for restaurant patrons to move in and out of the area quickly.
“If that gets approved by commission do you just go out and pick a spot and that’s good to go?” asked Commissioner Brittany Norris. Askew said city staff plans to coordinate with the district parking operator to allocate a pre-selected space for residents to pick up to-go orders without risking a ticket.
Mayor Ellen Glasser proposed removing language limiting the space to Ocean Avenue to provide flexibility when identifying the exact location. “It would keep the space but allow them to go up onto Ahern if that’s safer. It might give staff ... the option to explore,” she said. The proposed amendment was not included in the ordinance which also address concerns regarding the function of the app and kiosk systems.
“When they are on the app paying, there was a lack of clarity in the set-up of the app. I had people forwarding me receipts saying I paid $15 to park and I’m not sure why,” said Norris. Users had the option to select “block” rate which was often more costly than a an hourly rate.
Residents are required to register to utilize the free parking but users are not be required to interact with the kiosk for the first three hours. To register, visit northbeachesparking.com to complete the application. It takes up to two days to process and receive confirmation. Users can also register in-person at City Hall.
“Before we go live, we will make an effort and do a public outreach to give people some options on how to register,” said Deputy City Manager Kevin Hogencamp. “If people are confused about how to register, staff will be able to register them ourselves or walk them through the process.”
