Royal Oak Implements Pilot Program for 30-Minute ‘Quick’ Spaces

Royal Oak is implementing a pilot program for 30-minute parking spaces, to allow for faster, more convenient short-term parking in the downtown area. The program includes five designated parking spaces with 30-minute meters along Main Street between 11 Mile Road and Fourth Street, located near Bean and Leaf Café, Bruegger’s Bagels, Starbucks, FedEx Office Print & Ship Center and Verizon Wireless. The spaces will be available as of Dec. 21, 2018.

The city aims to address the need for convenient short-term parking by providing these quick parking spaces to customers near businesses that are quick service or have a high volume of carryout. These spaces will run as a pilot program through May 2019 and will be removed or made permanent based on results. The meters will have designated signage and take credit card and payment via ParkMobile. The cost is .50 cents for 30 minutes.

“The city is continuously evaluating parking in Royal Oak by listening to concerns of residents and business owners and coming up innovative parking solutions to best fit their needs,” said Royal Oak City Community Engagement Specialist Judy Davids. “We have to adhere to the surge in fast-casual dining and services like Grubhub, and quick zone parking spaces will provide ease for customers and visitors.”

With construction underway, the city will also open a new 581-space parking deck on 11 Mile, between Main and Troy Streets. The garage will open in June 2019. During construction, the city has put together a guide to help visitors navigate alternative parking spaces in the vicinity. The guide can be downloaded at www.rethinkro.com.