The Town of Huntsville and the Downtown Huntsville BIA are hoping that a pilot program next summer will help alleviate some of the downtown’s parking woes while also providing an extra service to visitors to the area.
A temporary parking attendant would be tasked with parking enforcement including issuing tickets for infractions but also directing people to other parking areas during peak times, providing customer service and communication to help people find restaurants, events and attractions, and perhaps also keeping downtown Huntsville beautiful by helping to clean up.
The focus would be friendly customer service, says Helena Renwick, Downtown BIA Executive Director – educating people on parking limits, promoting upcoming events, and providing directions or suggestions to downtown businesses. “It’s really an ambassador. Someone who is on the street and welcoming people and is visible as a helpful source of information.” The attendant would likely wear a brightly coloured t-shirt or other apparel to make them stand out.
Planning for the position – which could end up being shared by two people – is still in early stages, but Councillor Bob Stone who is also on the BIA board said that the attendant would help relieve some of the burden on bylaw officers from mid-June to mid-September during the busiest times of the week. “We’re still getting our heads around what this will look like, but we know this will be part of the solution.”
At its November meeting, the BIA approved their contribution of $2000 to the initiative, and asked that a representative be involved in the hiring process which will occur sometime in the new year once details for the position or positions have been finalized. The Town will pick up the tab for the remaining cost of the pilot, which would be offset by revenue from parking tickets, said Stone. The actual amount isn’t known yet as a schedule hasn’t been determined.
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On a visit a few years ago to Atlanta, Georgia, we were very impressed with ambassadors on all their busy downtown corners. It was a great help to tourists.