Newmarket downtown businesses are concerned about a new hotel straining parking space, but town officials say there will be a solution.
Main Street BIA Chair Tom Hempen said at a Dec. 1 board meeting that although businesses are excited by the prospect of a proposed hotel at the Main Street clock tower, he has received concerns about the parking impact.
But Councillor Bob Kwapis said though details are not finalized, the idea is to use a valet parking service, with lots off-site.
“We’re working on where exactly the area is going to be,” Kwapis said. “Those things still need to be ironed out, but personally, I don’t see too much of an issue with parking at this point.”
Streetcar Developments is in the planning stages after purchasing the property in November. They plan to have approximately 50 rooms at the clock tower hotel with an early 2023 opening. The town has expressed support for the proposal, offering up to $300,000 in incentives for the development process.
Hempen said with the hotel potentially adding approximately 100 vehicles including staff, contributing to a longtime parking dilemma, he would like to have answers for people as soon as possible.
“We all know parking is a very, very major sticking point with people,” he said. “I’d like to be able to say, specifically, there's going to be that many spots.”
Councillor Jane Twinney said the proposal is still new, and there is a process to go through.
“It will get fleshed out, making sure the parking is going to work for the downtown,” she said. “Just like any new development, parking is part of it.”
Hempen said he understands but would like to have an idea of when answers will come.
“It will relieve a lot of stress,” he said.
Kwapis said the town will provide the BIA with updates as the development progresses.
“I will assure you there is a plan in place, and the details are still a little hazy. However, it will be resolved,” Kwapis said. “I guarantee that personally.”
