AURORA | Aurora officials are anticipating a large demand for parking with the opening of the 10.5-mile light rail line set to travel along the I-225 corridor from Nine Mile station and connect with the East Rail line to Denver International Airport.
They’re also anticipating that people will be willing to pay for it and that residents in light-rail close neighborhoods will need protected parking spots.
The city’s neighborhood parking permit program would institute restricted parking on residential streets surrounding four future light rail stations that include lliff Station, Florida Station, 13th Avenue Station and the Colfax Station.
Robert Ferrin, Aurora’s parking program manager, said the fee and permit structure for the plan came from several meetings with neighborhood groups. He said the groups agreed that homes near the stations needed at least two permits per residents. As part of the proposal, additional permits could cost $10 each.
“This is a guideline, this is not an absolute,” said Ferrin, who said accommodations would be made for student drivers and that the city would be sending a contractor to work with neighborhoods so that homeowners and renters are aware of the permits and how to obtain them.
Another option under the proposal suggests one permit per licensed driver at a home and not allowing a resident to have more permits than vehicles. Ferrin said that also came from neighborhood feedback about the program.
To receive a permit, individuals would have to show proof of residency, which could be determined from a utility, auto or home insurance or property tax bill from the last 30 days.
Ferrin said the plan would create permits for residents’ license plates, make them annually renewable and not differentiate between renters and homeowners.
Ward V Councilman Bob Roth also asked that the city come up with messaging to deter people from parking in Heather Gardens neighborhoods, where he said residents are concerned about spillover from the nearby light rail stations.
City officials are still conducting public meetings to narrow down the neighborhood parking permit options. The parking permit program heads to Aurora City Council for final approve in June.
Ferrin said the parking permit plan is scheduled to begin in the fall with the Aurora light rail line expected to open in December.