The Plano City Council on Monday approved an ordinance to shorten the time limits on some downtown parking spots to a three-hour maximum. Drivers could previously park for a maximum of four hours in these spots.
The action came after the city's engineering department conducted a study of parking needs in downtown Plano and concluded lowering the time limit would improve access to downtown businesses, according to a memo prepared by city staff. A majority of drivers who park downtown already vacate their spots before the three-hour mark, the study found.
Some areas of downtown are exempt from the change, including a section of I Avenue between 16th and 18th streets and the southern half of the public parking lot at J Avenue and 12th Street. These areas serve longer-term parking needs, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit patrons.
Bond propositions take shape
Council members also concluded discussion Monday of $226 million in proposed bonds without amending the size or the breakdown of propositions that Plano voters could consider in May.
This means the City Council is expected at its Feb. 13 meeting to approve a resolution that would send to voters the following six bond-related propositions:
- Street improvements—$90.3 million
- Public safety facilities—$31 million
- Park improvements—$78.9 million
- Recreation center amenities—$12.5 million
- Library facilities—$10 million
- Collinwood House and historic preservation—$3.5 million
Voters would consider each proposition as a separate ballot item. If all of the bond proposals are adopted, the city's tax rate is expected to rise no more than $0.0048 per $100 valuation after four years, according to Karen Rhodes-Whitley, director of the city budget department. This would represent a total property tax increase of $14.46 for the average home.
