Businesses share concerns about Downtown Bryan parking, city working to find solutions

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Downtown Bryan is known as a growing and bustling area bringing in residents from all corners of the Brazos Valley to shop, eat and play.

Local businesses say there are some parking issues they’ve noticed are only getting worse. Multiple business owners contributed to the growth to office space in the area.

Cocoa’s Pantry has been a staple for years, but owner Christina Patterson says she’s worried.

“I mostly hear from customers that they circled around two or three times and then give up because they can’t find a parking space,” Patterson said. “It is starting to show up in our businesses and the flow of the business and how many people we get in every day. I think about the people that have complained. But what about the ones that haven’t said anything or didn’t keep trying, that’s business that we’ve lost. It’s a real concern you got mom-and-pop shops here. We’re trying to make a living.”

But Patterson is not the only one. Cindy Roberts the owner of Burr’s Unfinished Furniture says in their 40 years in business, this problem is at its peak.

“It’s heartbreaking because we have been down here so long. I like to say I’m the matriarch of Downtown because I grew up down here and it breaks my heart to see these mom-and-pop shops come down. I’m sorry, franchises, they can afford it. Mom and pops cannot afford this we just need all of the parking we can get it’s going to be an issue and it needs to be stopped,” she said.

The main concerns from Patterson and Roberts surround a new office space in the Varisco Building.

Other businesses like Beautimous Me Salon say even a block over, they’re seeing similar issues.

“It’s kind of hard for our clients when they’re coming into their appointments to find a parking spot because they’re running late because of finding a parking spot to their appointments,” Walkie Parnell, a stylist at the salon, said.

Roberts says after decades in Downtown, she loves watching the growth. But, she says as this happens, businesses are asking the city to enforce short-term parking located in front of the businesses.

“It’s free parking downtown. We don’t want paid parking. We have timed parking spots. We would love to see those reinforced and more time to parking spots,” she said.

The City sent the following statement regarding parking concerns.

“The City of Bryan is, and has been, looking into a variety of parking and transportation options to address the welcomed and continued growth occurring in Historic Downton Bryan. There are nearly 1,200 free parking spaces in Downtown and there is the Brazos Transit District’s Roy Kelley Parking Garage nearby with monthly contract options available. The city is committed to fostering a thriving and vibrant downtown environment that is accessible and accommodating for everyone. As the city continues to research and review parking and transportation options, input from Downtown businesses, residents, and property owners – along with other Bryan residents – is encouraged. “