During the recent Town of Aberdeen Board work session held on Monday, the board heard a 9-month review of the Downtown Social District and tackled the tricky topic of much-needed parking in Aberdeen’s downtown areas.

Report on Aberdeen’s Social District

A discussion about the success of downtown focused on the positive impact of the Social District and broader signs of economic and community vitality. Downtown Planner Lindy Lamielle was present to recount the district’s success and answer questions.

Highlights from Lamielle’s review include:

• No police incidents reported since its launch in February, which was an initial concern.
• Businesses and visitors have responded positively.
• The Downtown Advisory Board proposed expanding hours to 7 days a week (currently limited to Thursday through Sunday).
• Reports from business owners point to increased sales and higher foot traffic, which shows consistent growth.

“There’s been an incremental increase in foot traffic coming back into downtown that we have documented from foot traffic analysis; that’s basically tracking cell phone movements in and out of downtown and where they’re going, what businesses they’re going in, how long they’re staying there,” explained Lamielle. “We’re also seeing a huge spike in foot traffic during all of our downtown events, [and] some of them are actually largely driven by the food and beverage establishments.”

While the downtown social district has been largely successful, overflowing trash receptacles have been reported, particularly during weekends and special events. This issue is most prominent in high-traffic areas.

Lamielle acknowledged the importance of maintaining cleanliness to support the district’s positive image. She assured the board that the Downtown Aberdeen Advisory Board is aware of the issue and is looking for solutions, including changing the dates and times of trash collection.

“All things considered, it has been a well-managed and implemented social district,” shared Lamielle.

Additionally, the advisory board has proposed expanding the district’s operating hours. Currently limited to Thursday through Sunday, the suggested change would allow the district to operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This suggestion comes following positive input from business owners and patrons alike.

“There’s sometimes confusion with patrons on what day it is, what day of the week it is, what time of the week it is, and [this would] make it a bit more streamlined,” suggested Lamielle. “So, no matter what day, the hours would be consistent. That was really the biggest request to be considered.”

While no final decision has been made, the proposal is under consideration and will be reviewed by the appropriate boards before any changes are implemented.

Parking Plans and Proposals

A parking study presented to the Aberdeen Town Board highlights a shortfall in downtown parking, driven in part by ongoing development and increased business activity.

“With the rapid pace of residential development and influx of a variety of downtown businesses, parking challenges have long been a concern for businesses, residents, and visitors in the downtown area,” explained Lamielle in her official presentation. “The study scope provided data-driven recommendations to improve parking availability, accessibility, and efficiency, supporting both the local community and the central business district’s growth.”

Lamielle shared findings from Walker Consultants, who were commissioned by the Downtown Aberdeen Advisory Board to assess parking needs.

The study, initiated in early 2025, identified a peak weekday demand of 826 spaces, with only 595 currently available, which leaves a deficit of 231 spaces.

Via Walker Consultants. 

The analysis used “shared parking methodology” to account for variations in demand by time, season, and land use. Recommendations include creating shared-use agreements and redevelopment opportunities that could add up to 282 spaces.

“Shared Parking is defined as the ability to use the same parking resource by multiple nearby or adjacent land uses without encroachment,” explained representatives from Walker. “Shared parking considers the parking demand for more than 55 different land uses, the availability and use of alternative modes of transportation, captive market effects, and daily, hourly, and seasonal variations.”

Walker consultants proposed a parking allocation plan designating 514 spaces for short-term use and 463 for long-term. Short-term parking would be concentrated near commercial corridors such as South Poplar and West Main Streets, while long-term parking would be located in peripheral areas like Tarbell and Exchange Streets.

“It is recommended that parking spaces along commercial corridors with existing on-street parking be designated as short-term parking. This allows patrons easier access to businesses through both parking locations and short-term parking turnover.”

The plan avoids the immediate use of parking meters, suggesting time limits and monitoring the area to manage turnover. Consultants say the surplus allows flexibility for future growth and supports downtown accessibility for residents and visitors.

Lamille also hopes to implement more crosswalks to encourage residents to safely park in one location and then walk to their destination.

The study is intended for planning purposes and will be reviewed further by the Downtown Board and Planning Board before any recommendations are brought forward.

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~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.