The Ridgefield City Council unanimously approved an update to the city’s downtown parking plan during its Thursday, March 13 meeting. The updates finalized a series of changes to improve parking access, traffic flow and safety.
Public Works Director Chuck Green described the plan as the culmination of “about a year and a half of effort” and emphasized its focus on benefiting downtown businesses, residents, and visitors.
“We’re here looking at a plan that can be implemented, create some additional parking, focus on the downtown stakeholders ... residents, and those who want to play in downtown Ridgefield,” Green said.
The most debated changes included converting North Fourth Avenue to a one-way northbound street and revising its designated parking areas to accommodate more spaces. Councilmembers overwhelmingly supported making North Fourth Avenue a one-way street, citing safety concerns.
“Hearing and having been a parent, to pull out of that area, I think that it is stressful and it’s hard to see,” Councilor Meghan Hamilton said. “I’m in favor of the one-way street.”
Councilor Clyde Burkle echoed her sentiment.
“They are very in favor of one-way north on [Fourth],” Burkle said, referencing feedback he received from one local business owner. “I too think that is the most appropriate and, for me, the safest way.”
The council also debated the placement of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. While the Port of Ridgefield secured a grant to install on-street EV chargers on North Third Avenue, council members opposed using public street parking.
“I feel like it is not a smart decision to take away parking for the majority of people just for EV charging on the street,” Councilor Favela said.
Most Councilmembers agreed with Favela.
“I haven’t seen a lot of usage of the stations that we have,” Councilmember Judy Chipman said. “I would be very hesitant to give up 4 or 5 of our new parking spaces that we’re going to get for EV charging stations that maybe only a couple people would use.”
Additionally, the council approved a staff study on the feasibility of a future municipal parking lot in downtown Ridgefield. Green noted that EV charging stations could be incorporated into the project.
Councilmembers also addressed the placement of new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces, ultimately deciding to move two proposed spaces from Pioneer Street. One will be relocated to Overlook Park to provide better access for wheelchair users, and another will be placed at the intersection of North Third Avenue and Simons Street.
“I like the idea of more angled parking, but making them easy to get in and out of is also half the battle,” Councilor Favela said.
A discussion on new downtown loading zones for businesses was deferred after some councilors raised questions about the necessity of extending their hours from the proposed 8 a.m.-12 p.m. to 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Councilors requested more data on delivery schedules before making a final decision.
A proposed two-hour time limit for parking at Overlook Park was also rejected after council members found no clear evidence of long-term parking issues in the area.
“Other than special occasions, is it difficult to find a place to park ... Otherwise, I have been able to park anywhere I wanted to without any difficulty,” Burkle said.
With these changes, the plan is expected to increase available downtown parking by about 10%. The council also directed city staff to explore long-term parking solutions, including a potential municipal lot and better wayfinding signage for existing public parking areas at Davis Park and along Railroad Avenue.
The council unanimously signed off on the plans.
