Plans to increase parking in downtown Abilene are under review by the city council and business managers. 

Donna Albus, city council member, and Robert Hanna, city manager, said parking downtown has been an issue for a while now.

“Parking has long been a problem in downtown Abilene and the recent increase in property redevelopment has made it more acute,” Albus said. 

There is no set date on when these changes will occur. Although there should be a lot of positives with increased parking. City managers said they want to make sure nothing negative will happen for business in that area.

“The changes are under review and will be discussed with the business community before any final decision is made,” Albus said.

Overall they do not see how there could be any negatives with increasing the parking. It allows more opportunities for customers to access businesses in the area. 

Anna McLeod, junior communication science and disorders major, said one common problem for most ACU students is lack of parking when attending The Well Church on Sundays or for Midnight Worship.

“It is difficult to find parking if there are not any open in the road near Cypress Street,” McLeod said. 

Along with Mcleod, downtown businesses and employees will benefit from added parking areas.

“I did not know that they were planning on expanding,” McLeod said. “I think that will help [The Well Church] grow as well as take off some stress for the church members.”