Bryan Mayor appoints committee to address downtown parking issues
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez is responding to concerns from Downtown Bryan businesses and residents over parking.
Some concerned citizens have attributed the recent lack of parking spots to new office space downtown, specifically at the Varisco Building. Several small businesses that have talked to KBTX worry a lack of parking may be deterring customers.
In a statement released Thursday, Mayor Gutierrez acknowledged the concerns that have come with the recent growth.
“Over the past several years, the momentum we’ve all enjoyed in our downtown has led to some changes. We have been working to address those as quickly as possible and in the best interest of all visitors who work, eat, live and play in our downtown,” Gutierrez said.
The mayor added that some walking is to be expected in urban areas.
Gutierrez says he is appointing a committee to look at the concerns. The group will be comprised of people who represent the interests of visitors, residents, retail merchants and business offices. In his statement, the mayor noted that the preferences of these different groups may contradict each other. Former Mayor Andrew Nelson is set to chair the committee.
Read Mayor Gutierrez’s full statement below: