Petersburg parking problems: Potential solution has residents hopeful

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Petersburg leaders want to create more parking downtown, and a bill in the state House could help them do it.

House Bill 1448 would establish the Petersburg Parking Authority, with the power to create and operate off-street parking structures in the city, like parking garages.

The bill, proposed by Delegate Kimberly Pope Adams, says the current parking situation in parts of the city is a public nuisance. It says street parking, like what lines most roads in downtown Petersburg, prevents the free circulation of traffic.

Local business owners agree.

"The parking situation in Old Towne, downtown Petersburg is congested," said Senithia Martin, owner of the Appomattox Event Center. "We have more residents than we probably had in a very long time. We definitely have more shops, retail spaces, businesses in general than we've had in quite some time."

"People have more vehicles than they used. So it is congested and it's cluttered," Martin said.

The bill would form the authority, and grant it, "various powers, including the authority to construct, operate and lease parking facilities, contract with outside entities, issue revenue bonds and revenue, refunding bonds, and acquire property."

Martin said she's happy to hear that new parking could be coming to the city, and said it's needed with the growth the city has experienced on account of the new Live! Casino.

"We may still be a small city, but now we're doing big city things," Martin said.

"The goal and the expectation is, especially with a casino here now, is that we will have more increased traffic downtown. Which is what we want," Martin said. "But we also have to accommodate the folks that are coming down here. So having more parking, having the ability to regulate the parking as well, is essential."

The bill had its second hearing on Thursday, Feb. 5 in the House Transportation committee. It was voted to advance to the House floor.