The City of Bangor's Downtown Parking Advisory Committee is pushing for innovative solutions to tackle the city's parking challenges, with a focus on shared use parking. During a recent meeting, committee members highlighted the underutilization of certain lots, particularly on State and Park Street, where 90% of the time, spaces remain empty. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current parking strategies.

One key discussion point was the potential for shared parking arrangements. Committee members argued that if businesses and residents could share parking spaces, it would significantly reduce the overall number of spots needed. For instance, a lot that serves multiple businesses during the day and residents at night could eliminate the need for separate parking for each, which currently leads to an excess of unused spaces.

The committee is advocating for a proactive approach to encourage private parking lot owners to consider shared use agreements. By allowing downtown residents to access office parking during off-hours, the city could optimize space and promote growth, rather than hinder it with redundant parking requirements.

As the committee moves forward, they aim to explore these shared parking solutions further, potentially transforming how Bangor addresses its parking needs and enhancing the downtown experience for both businesses and residents.