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Port OKs Use of Marina Parking Lot by La Conner Merchants
Posted in General | Economic Development | La Conner Marina on December 8, 2011
Burlington – Seeking to help alleviate parking congestion on La Conner’s busy First Street, the Port of Skagit Board of Commissioners have agreed to allow merchants and their employees who have town-issued parking passes for their vehicles to use the La Conner Marina’s south parking lot in addition to the town-owned lot behind town hall.
The need for additional parking has been discussed at meetings of the recently formed La Conner Tourism Marketing Committee. Members of the committee noted that though merchants can park in the town lot for free, its location on Moore Street at the south end of the business core creates a long walk for people working at the north end of First and Second streets and along Morris street. The port-owned lot at the corner of Third and State streets would be closer for many of them.
The port commissioners agreed to waive the normal $3-per-day parking fee at the marina’s south parking lot for vehicles displaying a town parking pass. Port staff noted that the lot is little used on weekdays during most of the year. They agreed to monitor usage during 2012 and re-evaluate the arrangement at the end of next year.
“The port is happy to offer our parking lot to help reduce pressure on First Street,” said Jerry Kaufman, chair of the port commission. “Each merchant or employee who parks in our lot instead of on the street opens up room for customers to park closer to La Conner’s businesses.”