Residents, Businesses and Seniors Launch Annapolis Parking Alliance, Call for Parking Reform

A new coalition of Annapolis residents, business owners, employees, seniors and community advocates has launched an effort aimed at pushing for changes to parking policies across the city.

The Annapolis Parking Alliance, or APA, announced its official launch this week, describing itself as a nonpartisan, grassroots organization seeking common-sense parking reforms while working collaboratively with city officials and community leaders.

The organization says its goal is to balance the quality of life in Annapolis neighborhoods with the economic needs of downtown businesses as the city deals with changing parking technology, rates and visitor traffic.

Alliance Outlines Parking Priorities

According to its announcement, the Annapolis Parking Alliance intends to serve as a resource for the mayor, Annapolis City Council, Transportation Committee and city staff by providing community feedback, data and recommendations on parking policy.

Among the group's priorities is establishing residential-only parking districts in areas affected by spillover parking from short-term rentals and tourist traffic. The alliance also wants city parking policies to remain affordable and neighborhood-focused and says it plans to examine policies it believes create barriers to parking equity.

Parking for downtown employees is another focus.

The organization is calling for safe, practical and affordable parking and transportation options for employees of downtown businesses, arguing that workers should not have to spend a significant portion of their wages on daily parking or resort to parking in residential neighborhoods.

The APA is also advocating for parking options that remain accessible to seniors, including physical payment options. The group expressed concerns about app-only parking systems, the use of multiple parking applications, digital enforcement and the walking distances that may be required to access downtown destinations.

Rates, Garages and Parking Enforcement

The alliance is also calling for what it describes as fair and transparent parking rates, clearer signage and greater consideration of residents and businesses in the management of municipal garages and surface lots.

In its release, the organization contends that Annapolis has some of the highest parking rates on the East Coast and raised rates with insufficient transparency regarding the details. The release did not provide supporting data for that assertion.

The APA also identified oversight of parking operators and third-party enforcement companies as a priority, calling for consumer-friendly practices involving ticketing, towing, fees and digital fines.

Business and Resident Perspectives

Jennifer Sowers, an Annapolis business owner and APA board member, said downtown businesses and their employees are feeling the effects of the existing parking system.

“Downtown businesses like mine are feeling the strain of a parking system that's become confusing, complicated and costly for our customers and staff,” Sowers said in the release.

Sowers said the alliance wants to work with the community and city officials on solutions benefiting residents, seniors, visitors, employees and businesses.

Katie McDermott, a downtown resident and APA board member, pointed to the combined effects of tourist and short-term rental parking, accessibility for seniors and parking challenges faced by service workers.

“APA is a voice and a valuable resource for City and community leaders so we can build sensible, consensus-driven solutions together,” McDermott said.

Coalition Includes Residents and Local Businesses

The Annapolis Parking Alliance's board includes residents Katie McDermott, John Hammond, Laurie Sullivan and Felicia Barlow Clar, along with business owners Jennifer Sowers of Level a Small Plates Lounge, Merja Washburn of Woodcraft Artisans and Shannon Riesenfeld of Mango & Main.

The organization also lists the Ward One Residents Association and Inner West Street Association among its partners, along with a number of Annapolis restaurants, shops and other businesses.

The alliance is inviting Annapolis residents, seniors, business owners and employees to participate, share their experiences with parking and contribute to proposals the organization hopes to bring forward.

The Annapolis Parking Alliance describes itself as a nonpartisan coalition working to advocate for accessible, fair and neighborhood-protective parking solutions in Annapolis.

For more information:

Email:

AnnapolisParkingAlliance@gmail.com

Website: https://www.annapolisparkingalliance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annapolisparkingalliance