Downtown Coral Springs parking continues to spark ongoing discussions among residents and officials
Coral Springs, Florida – Parking has become a growing concern in the heart of downtown Coral Springs, especially as the new Cornerstone development at the corner of Sample Road and University Drive continues to take shape. This ongoing issue was recently brought up during a community redevelopment agency meeting, where discussions centered around the growing demand for parking spaces in this rapidly developing area.
Rod Sheldon, the developer behind the Cornerstone project, voiced his concerns about parking availability as construction progresses. He explained that the situation would have been even more dire if plans for a hotel on the southwest corner of the site had gone through. Originally, the hotel, combined with seven or eight restaurants, would have added significant pressure on an already strained parking infrastructure. However, with the hotel no longer part of the plan, Sheldon expressed relief, knowing that parking demands would be somewhat alleviated.
Among the tenants confirmed for the Cornerstone development are a variety of establishments that are expected to bring more foot traffic to the area. These include Tacocraft, which has already opened its doors, as well as Rumble Boxing, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse, Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café, Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Copenhagen Corner Wine Bar, and Paris Baguette. In addition to these, pizza chain How Ya Dough’n is planning to open at the site, further contributing to the area’s growing popularity.
Despite the number of businesses coming to Cornerstone, city officials have assured the public that the parking situation is being addressed. Sayona Khandwalla, a spokesperson for the City of Coral Springs, explained that the project will exceed the local parking requirements for both residential and non-residential spaces. When the development is fully completed, there will be 263 dedicated non-residential parking spaces located before the gated residential access. The north building alone will feature 181 spaces, while the south building will offer 82 spaces.
In addition to these dedicated spaces, the development plans to add 17 parallel parking spaces along the main road and NW 32nd Street, as well as nine parallel spaces on NW 94th Avenue, further addressing the public’s need for parking in the downtown area.
For those visiting the downtown area for work, leisure, or public events, the city hall parking garage remains a popular option. With a total of 607 parking spots, the garage is open 19 hours a day, from 5 a.m. to midnight. Despite its ample capacity, however, there have been instances when the garage and other parking facilities in the area simply do not meet the demand during busy public events.
This issue became particularly evident earlier this year when the city brokered an agreement with Bank of America, located at 3200 University Drive, to use its lot during large events. This move came after complaints from residents who had their cars towed from the bank’s lot during the Coral Springs holiday parade. The agreement allows for additional parking during public events, but it comes with a fee for those who choose to park there.
As Coral Springs continues to grow and evolve, city officials are aware that parking will remain a topic of discussion and concern. The Cornerstone development, with its array of restaurants, shops, and other businesses, will bring more people to the downtown area, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive parking solution. While the city has taken steps to address the issue, ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure that Coral Springs remains a convenient and accessible place for residents and visitors alike.
The concerns surrounding parking in the new downtown area are part of a larger conversation about growth, development, and urban planning. With more people flocking to the city center for dining, shopping, and entertainment, finding effective solutions to parking challenges will be crucial to ensuring that Coral Springs thrives in the years to come.
