Parking relief for Cass Corridor

Council unanimously approved a resolution to create a residential parking area in Cass Corridor. People who live along the zone are able to apply for an annual permit and daily visitor passes, but the resolution didn’t include details on how much it will cost.

The changes were requested by Detroit resident Francis Grunow and the Municipal Parking Department. Grunow submitted a petition for a parking zone on Second Avenue along Cass Park. The Parking Department recommended adding residential parking zones to parts of Second Avenue and Charlotte Street near the Masonic Temple after its own review.

Visitors to Little Caesars Arena and the Masonic Temple have “overwhelmed” available parking during event days, according to the resolution.

Past lives: The resolution also cites additional parking pressure from Founders Brewing Co., “where business from the restaurant is robust and will continue to grow past the pandemic period.” That didn’t age well – the Grand Rapids-based company closed its taproom on Charlotte Street in May.

Council will also schedule a public hearing for a plan to reduce free parking in another busy area a few blocks to the north.

That proposed resolution would create paid residential parking zones on portions of Selden Street and Second Avenue. The Municipal Parking Department requested the changes, citing a high demand for parking near businesses that makes it difficult for people living in apartment buildings to find a space. There’s a number of popular bars and restaurants in the area.