NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — As revitalization continues in downtown New Port Richey, more people are coming to the area on weekends, creating increased demand for parking.
Business owners say the activity is good for downtown, but finding a parking space can be difficult and some drivers are parking illegally.
WATCH BELOW: New Port Richey considers tougher parking rules
Bryan Hackman, owner of Cottee River Brewing, said he enjoys seeing more people visit downtown but believes the parking problem needs to be addressed.
"We want people to come down and be safe and have a good time and not park illegally," Hackman said.
The New Port Richey Police Department is proposing changes to the city’s parking ordinance, which is more than 30 years old.
One of the major changes would make it easier for the city to collect unpaid parking fines by routing them through the county court system.
Deputy Chief Lauren Letona said the current system makes it more difficult for the city to collect unpaid fines.
"The difference is, the city itself has a harder time collecting the fines and the county can now, through the court system, place a hold on your registration," Letona said.
If approved, some parking fines would increase from about $10 to $30, while more serious violations could result in fines of up to $250.
The city already offers free parking lots, including a garage closer to U.S. 19 with shuttle service to the downtown entertainment district.
A larger parking solution could also be part of a proposed downtown development.
Developer Carl Mowry has proposed a new parking garage as part of a plan to build a convention center at the site of the old utility building.
Mowry said the project could have a significant impact on the city's future.
"It would definitely be changing for the area and generational change. Big growth, big tax dollars, lot of jobs,” Mowry said. “It would definitely put us on the map more than we’ve even become in the last 5-6 years. New Port Richey is growing tremendously.”
Police say drivers would not immediately begin receiving tickets under the proposed rules.
The city would have a grace period during which drivers would receive warnings before enforcement begins.
New Port Richey City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed ordinance Sept. 1.
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