BERLIN, Md. -- During a closed session meeting on Monday night Berlin officials looked at a possible remedy to parking troubles. The town could purchase land to provide additional parking near the downtown area.
In the heart of downtown Berlin, the quest for an available parking spot, particularly during the bustling summer months, has become an enduring challenge for locals and visitors.
Emily Vocke, a local business owner, attests to the persistent issue.
"It's absolutely an issue, it has been for years, and just continues to get worse as the town grows," said Vocke.
To address the escalating problem, town officials convened in a closed session meeting to deliberate on "the purchase of real property for use as public parking." While the specifics of the potential property acquisition, including its location and cost, remain undisclosed, the consideration of such a measure has lead to positive reactions from the community.
"I think it's a great solution, I think it's a no-brainer," said Vocke. "I don't see how we can grow or even maintain the way we are now."
During the summer or when the town hosts events, business owners tell us the scarcity of parking spaces often translates to a 20 to 30-minute chore for patrons, dissuading potential visitors from venturing into downtown Berlin altogether.
"Nobody wants to start their day like that, and we want them to have a good time in our town," said Vocke. "I would hate for them to be so frustrated that they resort to not coming at all, and I do think that is happening."
Despite the parking challenges, William Outten, another local business owner, notes one unique perk – free parking.
"Parking is free, and that's a really good benefit, because most places around here parking is not free," said Outten.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the addition of more parking spaces, a possibility discussed in the closed session meeting, could only serve to benefit the community.