Carmel trying free parking vouchers next week to boost economy

Some parking relief in the form of free parking is on its way to Carmel starting next week.

Police Chief Mike Calhoun said the metered parking has improved traffic flow, but he added they want to entice shoppers to come back and spend more money, boosting the local economy.

Paul Lee manages a business in Carmel, and when it comes to metered parking, he’s heard it all.

There’s been a “very mixed reaction,” Lee said.

“The system works pretty well,” said Michael Lucarelli, visiting from Seattle.

“It’s a beautiful city, but the parking could be better,” said Mike Klubok, visiting from New York City.

Businesses Lee talks to said they don’t like four-hour paid parking in downtown.

“We’ve seen a general overall decrease in business because of the biggest factor of the locals not coming at all or they are coming less frequently,” Lee said.

This pilot program is designed to keep cars moving in and out all day, and Calhoun said it’s working.

“One to two spaces are being left open so, people, when they come to downtown, they have a place to park,” Calhoun said.

Next week, things will change. Calhoun said he’s going to hand out at least 10 of vouchers that downtown businesses can give to customers for free two-hour parking.

Everyone agreed on that, because the best kind of parking is the kind that’s free.

“I think that could help especially with some of our local customers,” Lee said.

“Absolutely, that would work well, and it also promotes business,” Klubok said.

Calhoun said parking has been an issue in Carmel no one has tackled in 75 years.

The pilot program for metered parking ends at the end of May, and Calhoun said he’ll then present his results to city council for approval.

If businesses like the voucher idea, they can continue it on their own.