Fuquay-Varina has experienced strong growth since 2000, almost tripling in population. The increased activity has put pressure on the two Historic Downtown Districts. Downtown building occupancy is near 100%, and there is development interest from many sources, including the construction of a new Performing Arts Center and a need for residential units. While the town does not charge for parking in the municipal parking facilities, many off-street parking areas and on-street spaces have time limits to encourage turnover. The town suffered from parking complaints from the residents and visitors without genuinely understanding the root parking and transportation issues. 

WGI conducted a comprehensive downtown parking study that included inventorying the downtown parking supply and identifying peak demand areas. We also reviewed zoning, enforcement, regulations, branding, wayfinding, pedestrian needs, bicycle access, and railroad right-of-way issues. To achieve community acceptance, we hosted an online survey, conducted two town hall meetings with residents and business owners, and held one-on-one meetings with the Town Council and citizens requesting an appointment. 

Project Highlights 

• Determined the Town did not need to build new parking areas to accommodate the Performing Arts Center
• Identified the need for additional parking in the Varina District as well as locations suitable for parking expansion 
• Established the basis for a Town parking system and the need for long-range parking planning 
• Town created a new parking map and an online page dedicated to parking 
• Increased merchant and resident awareness of parking needs, while diffusing fear of over-regulating parking