SAFFORD — The biggest problem with parking in Downtown Safford, are the owners and employees of the businesses in the Downtown.
That was the consensus of the business owners in attendance at the City of Safford Conversation Thursday morning at the Library Annex. They said too many people working in the Downtown park on Main Street, in front of neighboring businesses and preventing customers from having easy access to shops and restaurants.
City Manager John Cassella said the Conversation (the new name for what had been the city’s Spotlight series) was the first step in addressing complaints of business owners and shoppers that there is insufficient parking on Main Street.
“Part of this is that things are successful; we’re doing well and there’s going to be more things that happen in that area,” Cassella said, “but we have to be patient and be systematic. I mean, this situation just didn’t pop up yesterday. Parking in the Downtown has been parking in the Downtown forever.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
More pressure on Downtown parking is expected in the near future, when renovations are complete and the Safford Theatre re-opens. Plus Retrograde Brew and BBQ restaurant and craft brewery is expected to open in the Downtown in early 2025.
The start, Cassella said, will be conducting “a comprehensive understanding of what’s available,” including an inventory of parking spaces on Main Street and other streets in the Downtown, parking lots, city lots that could be used for parking, and lots that could be purchased or leased.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Trinity Bejarano, owner of ReVive Innovations, suggested signage limiting parking to customers of the businesses nearest the spaces, saying that enforcement wasn’t needed because most people would honor the instructions of the signs. However, it was pointed out that restrictions cannot be placed on public parking.
City Planning Director Jaime Embick suggested the city partnering with the Safford Downtown Association to apply for grants to install solar panels in the city’s parking lots, creating covered parking that could be attractive to business owners and employees rather than uncovered street parking.
And Randa McKinney asked if the city could improve the alleys behind the businesses, giving access to lots behind the buildings where employees could park.
Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano said the issue will be further discussed when city staff and the City Council go through the 2024-25 budget process, and funding for the hiring of a consultant could be included.
Editor’s note: Reporter David Bell is a member of the Safford Downtown Association board.
