City crews paint ‘no parking zone’ around San Jacinto Plaza

Visitors who plan to go to San Jacinto Plaza after Monday morning will notice some changes around the newly-renovated center of downtown El Paso. The City Streets and Maintenance Department painted the curb surrounding San Jacinto early Monday morning to notify drivers that parking will no longer be allowed around the park. City council passed an amendment for the city to mark the no parking zone around the plaza by painting the curb instead of using signs to restrict parking. The signs that already exist there will read “parking prohibited at all times.” City officials said the changes are intended to keep vehicles from parking or stopping in the travel lanes because it is a safety hazard. The city also found that landscaping and vegetation along the sidewalks has been damaged when motorists park along the sidewalk and exit their vehicles. Parking is available in nearby garages and metered parking spaces. Parking spots along meters will no longer be free on Saturdays. In September, city council voted to do away with free Saturday parking meters. The grace period will end November 19 and officials have placed warnings and notices around downtown. Meters cost fifty cents for every 30 minutes. The city expects to generate about $260,000 per year from the fees. In addition to painting the curbs around San Jacinto Plaza, crews will also work on streets through out the week at night to reduce the impact on traffic. The work will include re-striping lanes and pavement markings on Oregon, Mills, Mesa and Main.