City planners continue quest for parking solutions

City planners continue their quest to strike a balance between making parking spaces available along Windsor's main streets, while still maintaining a healthy mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Planners have studied the issue for the past year, turning to other cities to find solutions, but they opened the discussion up to the public Wednesday at a special open house at city hall.

• City staff studying impact of off-street parking on commercial areas
• Retail space reverted to parking spots in Pelissier parking garage

The problem is widespread throughout Windsor. Since 1986, there have been 43buildings demolished to make way for parking.

"Eventually, we will be left with parking and no more buildings, so we want to strike a balance and we want to hear good ideas," said Greg Atkinson, a senior planner for the city.

Councillorsdirected their city planners to study the issue of off-street parking out of fear too many commercial buildings were being knocked down to makeroom for parking.

Residents regularly complain about the lack of street parking along Erie Street, which is the heart of Little Italy.JaySoulliere, one of the owners of Motor Burger, has heard his customers frustrations.

He suggests the city start providing parking behind the main streets that are lifelines to the commercial centres throughout Windsor.

"Across North America, it's a sweep to go back to the local business improvement areas and local communities, and get out of the malls," he said. "I think we should keep it that way."