Town Hall chambers was packed for a special meeting on Monday, Jul. 21. The subject was one that directly impacts almost everyone in town: parking. Mayor Wayne Zitt and the Guttenberg Parking Committee scheduled the meeting to share some new programs that will be put in place as well as potential additional changes, and to hear directly from residents about issues they may have experienced and suggestions for improvement.

 

Among the biggest changes is the implementation of a new software system that will significantly upgrade and expand the current license plate reader system and provide a new mobile app. The town launched the current digital system several years ago to streamline permitting, eliminating the need for residents to visit Town Hall for a renewal (and the resulting long lines out the door at renewal times).

 

Another important change currently under review is limiting parking during the day for nonresidents. Surrounding towns already have time limits in place for nonresident parking.

By limiting nonresident parking to four hours during the day, Guttenberg will deter visitors from coming to town, parking their cars, and taking mass transit into the city.

 

Other changes include adjusting the length of time for resident permits from one year to two so people don’t need to renew annually (cost: $20 for two years instead of $10 for one).

 

The Town already partners with local private lots to add parking spaces, for instance with GSL Bank and on Jackson Street, and it continues to reach out to businesses, churches, and landowners to expand the program. Any new construction in town is required to provide sufficient parking, and any spots not occupied by building residents are required to be rented only to Town residents.

 

Many residents brought up specific issues and suggestions, such as suspending street sweeping enforcement while construction is taking place, which the mayor immediately agreed should be implemented. Other resident suggestions are being considered as well for future introduction.

 

The mayor and council created the Parking Committee in 2019 to seek out ways to alleviate parking problems in Guttenberg. Another public meeting is expected to be held toward the end of August, with full implementation of all new programs at the end of October.