Visitors to downtown Ogden were caught off guard Tuesday morning when they discovered new paid parking signs posted at one of the area’s most frequently used lots. The sudden change in parking policy at Electric Alley, a well-known parking location near historic 25th Street, left many drivers frustrated and unsure of where to park.
Parking Transition Sparks Mixed Reactions
Crystal Stultz, a regular visitor to the area, described the parking situation as “just bad.” She and her friend Tiffanie Bowcutt have always found parking to be a challenge but were particularly surprised to find a formerly free lot now requiring payment. After circling the area multiple times in search of a spot, they eventually decided to park in the lot, only to realize they had to prepay before entering.
“If parking is going to cost money, then people are going to start searching for the best deal, not just the best spot,” Stultz noted. Bowcutt added her own concerns, saying, “You better hope you don’t run out of time.”
Businesses Left in the Dark
The transition to paid parking wasn’t just a shock for visitors—it also caught some businesses off guard. Blake Hirschi, Operations Director for Slackwater, expressed frustration over the lack of communication.
“We had no prior notice that these changes were happening,” Hirschi stated. While Slackwater does have designated parking spaces for its customers, some of the new signage incorrectly listed the restaurant’s name, giving the impression that it was involved in the parking policy change. “We didn’t approve this. I don’t even know if they can legally put our name on those signs.”
Hirschi further explained that paid parking has been a long-standing concern for local businesses, with some fearing it would deter customers. “I’ve advised others that charging for parking wouldn’t be received well by the community, and now we’re seeing that play out.”
City Responds to Concerns
Mike McBride, a spokesperson for Ogden City, confirmed that the new hotel owners responsible for the parking lot had implemented the paid system without notifying the city first. This led to confusion about which spaces were now paid versus those that remained free.
To address the issue, McBride stated that the signs would be temporarily removed while a more organized approach is developed. The revised plan includes clearly marking hotel-owned spots, implementing a short grace period to educate the public about the new system, and then reintroducing the paid parking signs at a later date.
Future Parking Plans for Ogden
As Ogden continues to grow, city officials are working on a broader strategy to manage parking downtown. This includes collaboration between businesses and property owners to ensure a balanced system that supports both local commerce and visitors.
Additionally, a parking garage is being constructed as part of the WonderBlock development. The structure, located near the 2nd District Court, is expected to be completed by fall and will add approximately 800 parking spaces to the area.
Refunds Available for Paid Parking
For those who paid for parking before the signs were taken down, McBride confirmed that they would be eligible for reimbursement.
While the sudden change sparked confusion, city officials and business owners hope that with clearer communication and better planning, a smoother transition to managed parking in Ogden’s downtown district can be achieved .
