Help may be coming for area residents who feel like parking south of Brigham Young University requires more circling around than an airplane landing in Chicago mid-winter.

Provo Mayor Lewis Billings and his staff proposed an on-street parking permit program for the Joaquin Neighborhood on Tuesday, but some council members want to wait for students to return before continuing the discussion.

The neighborhood extends south from 800 North to Center Street and is bound on the east and west by 900 East and University Avenue.

"I think we need to mull it over and let everyone get a feel for it," said Provo Municipal Councilwoman Midge Johnson. "I was amazed at all the different caveats you have to think about ... it makes me wonder what other things are out there."

On June 5, the Provo mayor's office offered three proposals to handle the parking situation. Each suggestion involved restricting parking in the area by one means or another.

On Tuesday, the administration recommended that the council divide the neighborhood into subsections and issue permits for each one. Having subsections accounts for demographic variations, said Brent Wilde, assistant director of Provo City Community Development -- different parts having different concentrations of owners versus renters.

He also said the plan would allow residents to get visitor permits for social events, sporting events, funerals and other gatherings.

Feelings among residents were mixed.

Renter Mike Dunn said it wasn't necessary. "I don't think they need to. It's kind of a silly idea," Dunn said. "It's too much bureaucracy. Let people figure it out. We're not dumb."

Dunn also said that parking has only been a problem for him during the day.

Erik Rasmussen said he'd experienced parking frustration firsthand.

"Yes, do it," he said. "I used to really hate when I would get off of work at 7 a.m. and not have a place to park."

Rasmussen said it tends to get worse during the day where he lives.

Dave Peris, who lived in the area for several years, said he would support permits in areas with high owner occupancy if it limited parking by commuting students.

"However, in neighborhoods that are mostly populated with student renters, I do not see the need for additional regulation," he said. "Rental property owners should provide ample parking for their renters, without the need for public streets to become strictly regulated."

The parking proposal plans will be placed on the city's Web site: www.provo.org.

Nathan Johnson can be reached at 344-2543 or at njohnson@heraldextra.com.

Erik Rasmussen: "Yes do it!"

Mike Dunn "It's too much bureaucracy."

Scott Smoot "I'm glad I don't have to park on the street, or park on campus."

Jennie Bingham "During sporting events and things like that, it (parking) becomes difficult."

Megan Smith "I think it would still be a problem because everyone who parks here lives here."

Ashley Barney "I don't really have a problem with parking."

Dave Peris: "It should be the burden of the property owner to provide ample parking."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.

Related

• Provo student organization seeks broader community support