Plattsburgh to revamp parking

"The most important part of any grocery store is probably the parking," said Ryan Demers of the North Country Food Co-op.

Looking for a parking space isn't always fun, especially if it's far from your destination.

"No one wants to lug their groceries a long way away," Demers said.

But that soon could be the new reality for customers of the North Country Food Co-op because the city plans to close the Durkee Street parking lot.

"Not necessarily a lot but some spots dedicated to the co-op close by is essential," Demers said.

But the city plans to add even more parking in the city than it is taking away. Community Planner Paul DeDominicas likes the ideas on the table.

"There is a shift in philosophy on how we approach parking," DeDominicas said.

Maps posted in a PowerPoint suggest wider roads for street parking, closing off Court Street for a larger lot, even switching to paid parking.

"Paid parking works because it allows choice. It allows for some higher levels of customer service," DeDominicas.

Just to clarify-- these are just ideas.

"None of those things are necessarily going to happen," DeDominicas said. "There's a lot to still work out."

One thing the parking study did show was at its peak, downtown Plattsburgh parking is about 85 percent full. Experts say that means it's time to add more. If the lots are more than 90 percent full, people might leave because they can't find a place to park.