Providence group calls for abolishing city parking minimums

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Ahead of a public meeting on Providence’s next master plan, advocates are calling on city leaders to consider bolder changes.

The Providence Streets Coalition published an open letter to councilors, suggesting that parking minimums in the city should be abolished.

According to the “parking reform network,” 27 percent of land downtown is currently used for parking.

Advocates say that space could be used for more housing, and the increased density would make it easier to get around on foot, bike or with transit.