Downtown St. Charles Parking: What Needs To Change?

ST. CHARLES, IL — The city of St. Charles is hosting an open house in September to gather feedback from residents on their downtown parking experience.

The open house will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 in the council chambers at city hall, 2 East Main Street, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles. This is the second open house to gather feedback on downtown parking

In June 2023, the St. Charles City Council approved conducting a comprehensive downtown parking study to provide insights and data on the current downtown parking environment, as well as to recommend initiatives meant to enhance the overall parking experience in the area.

Those unable to attend the open house can take an online downtown parking survey available, which is available on the city’s website.

The city has hired Desman, a firm specializing in parking consulting, design, planning, and restoration, and Desman has begun their analysis by evaluating the existing inventory and data, assessing current conditions, and conducting peak occupancy surveys.

Desman is partnering with the city to conduct a series of public engagement opportunities for the residents and downtown businesses, according to a news release.

Questions about the study can be addressed to Derek Conley, economic development director, at dconley@stcharlesil.gov.