Commuters into downtown Charlottesville found streets backed up and parking even more difficult than usual Friday morning, thanks to the Market Street Garage being closed for maintenance, and the Water Street Garage selling 150 parking vouchers for TEDx attendees.
Streets around the Water Street Garage were particularly clogged. Bob Stroh, parking center general manager, had on a fluorescent vest and was trying to get monthly parkers and TEDx voucher holders into the garage, according to Mark Brown, Charlottesville Parking Center owner.
“Market Street is pretty old and needs maintenance,” says Brown. “A lot of people are coming downtown today. Almost every weekend something is going on, and it’s hard to pick a weekend for maintenance.”
Monthly parkers in both garages could still claim their spaces, but the closure of public parking was “a curve ball,” according to TEDx organizer Harrison Brendle. “We delayed the start about 10 minutes. Everyone got in.”
“I apologize to the community for the maintenance,” says Brown.
And for those coming into town later today, try to come earlier and be prepared to park farther away, advises Brown. “Try the bus,” he suggests. “I hear they’re really nice.”