BRYAN, Texas — Downtown Bryan is well known for being an area of growth and booming business, but some customers and business owners are saying the parking spaces can’t keep up with the growth.
Retail shops and restaurants have had mixed opinions on how parking has affected their business. Some store owners have received multiple complaints from their customers and others say they haven’t seen an issue.
Yesenia Ocampo, who owns La Joya Bargain Store, described her experience, “Sometimes when I come to open my store, I can’t find parking and I don’t have a permanent spot because this is public parking, and I can’t have my own spot even as an owner, so I have seen and heard the complaints on the parking issue.”
The City of Bryan released a statement regarding parking concerns stating:
“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. “
Bryan resident, Justin Cockrell said the city needs to do more, “It’s been congested, and it’s also been suggested of paid parking, and I don’t understand how paid parking will create parking it’s just gonna create more problems, I think. There's a huge parking garage nearby they should offer that for free parking to get people to come down and that would help all the businesses because you get more customers in if they have a place to park.”
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