Construction in parking lots behind Cleveland's West Side Market has been underway for just over a month, but some customers are finding out about it the hard way — in person.
“The parking is a little insane,” Brandy Kroskey said. She drove up from Akron to have lunch and couldn’t even pay for a spot if she wanted, instead spending 20 minutes circling the block.
“We did try to pay and all the paid lots are full today,” she said.
Gorgeous day for a trip to the West Side Market, but be prepared to walk due to ongoing parking construction pic.twitter.com/ULgubWMfIA
— Derick Waller Ch. 5 (@derickwallerTV) May 6, 2016
Right now, construction crews are in the midst of phase one of the project, which will combine two lots located immediately behind West 25th Street businesses and add green space, additional parking and improved drainage.
Then, around June, construction will continue to phase two, then phase three, before wrapping up in December. That means for the rest of the year, customers lose about a third of the already premium parking spaces behind the market.
Once construction is completed, parking will require payment, though prices have not been determined.
“It will finance some improvements at the West Side Market over time, and it will encourage more turnover in the lot,” Ken Silliman, the Chief of Staff for Mayor Frank Jackson said.
Still, one vendor said construction has affected his business.
“Some of the customers don’t want to come on Saturdays,” Jason Scott with Greg’s Produce said, “Because of the parking situation.”
The city said it has added additional parking near Gehring and West 25th Street and is considering adding daytime valet parking. Market customers are also encourage to utilize public transportation.
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