CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

CdM Parking Future Could Include Permits, Meter Kiosks

Corona del Mar may have a trial parking program that could include parking meters or kiosks along East Coast Highway and residential streets, along with a residential permit program, in the most congested parts of the village.

In a special study session held Tuesday afternoon, City Council members listened to a report on Corona del Mar’s parking and possible solutions, presented by Mark Linsenmayer of Walker Parking Consultants.

Most of the village parking congestion is between Avocado and Dahlia avenues, he said, where many restaurants are located. Business employees along with customers cause congestion that spills into residential areas. Some options to fix the problem include residential permits, two-hour parking time limits and meters, or combinations of those elements.

Council members said a trial program might work, but they would want to see an action plan with specifics, along with costs, before proceeding.

“Residents are very frustrated,” said Councilwoman Nancy Gardner, who represents Corona del Mar. “Most of the people who live there think a permit would be great.”

However, meters and permits could push the parking problems away from Coast Highway and deeper into residential areas.

“It’s hard to manage and hard to enforce,” Linsenmayer said. “It’s a delicate act.”

A plan for a trial program is likely months away. Another future parking project that could ease problems in the village is a robotic garage. Read more about that proposal here.