Parking study needed for river front plan

NEWBURGH, Ind. (WEHT) — The town of Newburgh is looking at improving parking as part of the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan. The plan was released in May and suggested a parking garage. Officials are looking for a consultant to help conduct a parking study in Newburgh and say proposals are due by October 1st.

“As we continue to grow, I think there will be additional parking needs… but I do not support a parking garage in the downtown area,” says Tara Tapp.

Tapp owns a boutique called ‘Oak Modern’ in downtown Newburgh and has a front row seat to the parking problem. She says a parking garage is now the solution.

“I personally don’t love the idea of a parking garage, just because I do not think it fits the charm of downtown Newburgh,” says Tapp.

Tapp says she has seen the need for parking grow over the past several years, and says some visitors do not know where to look. She says a parking study could help unveil the greatest need.

“We have some parking available on side streets, but many people don’t know that because they are not marked and the streets are narrow. We’re excited to see what takes place in the planning of Newburgh and what translates into reality,” Tapp says.

“This study would be a fantastic way to take the next step and really figure out where to start revitalizing the riverfront,” says Christy Powell.

Powell is the E-REP community director and is one of several people spearheading the Ohio River vision with Sasaki. Although they are not ready to conduct the study yet, she says they look forward to hearing from the public.

“We love public input on any sort of steering committee, and any sort of initiative like this. There will certainly be stakeholders involved and opportunities for public input,” Powell says.

“I do feel like the future looks bright for downtown Newburgh,” Tapp says.

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