Will County Gazette

The Joliet City Council is set to review a proposed ordinance amendment aimed at enhancing downtown accessibility and convenience through free street parking. The proposal suggests establishing two-hour free parking in designated zones during weekdays, with the intention of bolstering economic activity and aiding local businesses.

This amendment will be examined by the Public Service Committee on June 16th before being presented for a vote at the council's regular meeting on June 17th. Key aspects of the proposal include a two-hour parking limit from Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Zones A, B, and C, with appropriate signage indicating restrictions. Re-parking within the same zone during these hours will be prohibited.

Parking restrictions will also apply early mornings between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on specific streets for cleaning purposes, but these restrictions won't apply on holidays. If approved, the changes are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works, stated that "the proposal aims to make downtown parking more accessible for patrons, reduce congestion, and create a turnover of available spaces for businesses, visitors, and residents." He emphasized this as part of efforts to attract more visitors downtown.

To enforce these regulations efficiently, Joliet plans to employ vehicles equipped with License Plate Reader cameras to monitor parking durations. Public Enforcement Officers will issue $30 fines for violations detected through this system.

Mayor Terry D’Arcy expressed support for the initiative amidst ongoing downtown renovations. “Free street parking has been discussed in the past by both the council and downtown business owners,” he said. “If the council approves this measure, it will be permanent and another step toward supporting our downtown businesses during the ongoing construction and transformation.”