The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

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November 5, 2009

Downtown survey results to be released

BY JENNIFER BAILEY

DANVILLE — City officials will conduct an informational meeting next week regarding future parking and enforcement programs in the downtown area.

The city sent out about 40 surveys to downtown businesses and property owners.

Danville Recreation and Public Facilities Manager Brock Burton said they received about 37 returned surveys from business owners along Vermilion and North streets.

Burton oversees Harrison Park Golf Course, downtown and special services, recreation, and parks and public property for the city.

Danville Public Works Director Doug Ahrens said the survey was to gain a sense from those who work and own property downtown what they want to see for the future.

More than 90 percent of respondents want to see parking enforcement remain downtown, he said.

Questions also address the two-hour parking time limit, which some want to see remain or increase to three hours.

Ahrens said when someone eats downtown, two hours doesn’t leave a lot of time for also browsing downtown shops.

Other questions addressed: the continuing issue of some downtown employees continuing to use public parking spots during the day and what options does the city have to remedy the problem — Ahrens said this remains more of a problem in the first block of Vermilion Street — and if there is sufficient parking downtown; and how should the Kresge lot be used.

The city still is looking at the possibility the lot north of the courthouse annex could be a half rental and half public parking lot.

Ahrens said this will be the alternative cost bid, however, the city seeks by early next year when it also seeks bids for the underground vault and city hall parking lot improvements.

If the cost is too high, the lot still might be used as a gravel parking area by city hall as is now. There also will be sidewalks going in both directions for the new courthouse annex entryway, Ahrens said.

COMING UP

An informational meeting regarding future downtown parking and enforcement programs will be at 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W. Main St.

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