DOVER — While the City of Dover remains in the beginning phases of having a parking garage constructed near the downtown shopping district the Downtown Dover Partnership is set to implement some new parking changes in 2019.

“With a new year starting we will be implementing new parking changes for 2019,” said Tina Bradbury, operations manager for the DDP.

“I know this may be uncomfortable for some, however, please know we are doing our best to adjust with all the changes as we grow here in downtown Dover,” she added.

“We ask that you all bear with us as we go through the current and future changes and know that we are working with the city to bring about a solution and create plenty of parking downtown, so that we can continue to grow and attract future economic development projects.”

Among the changes that will become effective next Wednesday:

• The Loockerman Way Lot (behind the Santa House) will be a metered only lot. The lot will feature free parking until Jan. 20, 2019, as the transition takes places and then on Jan. 21 the metered rates will go into effect.

• The Bradford/Minor Lot will be completely permit parking only and motorists must have a blue parking pass to park in the lot. There will no longer be metered parking, free two-hour parking or 15-minute parking in the lot.

• The Governors Avenue Lot is parking by permit and motorists must have a yellow parking pass. There is also free two-hour parking in the lot.

• The on-street parking will currently remain free two-hour parking for downtown business customers only.

• There is no public parking in the North Street Lot as this is now a private parking lot and is no longer managed by the DDP.

The DDP said that there will be a grace period from Jan. 2 until Jan. 18 where it will be handing out reminders every day to violators and inform them of the new changes.

On Jan. 21, the DDP said it will start enforcing the parking rules and regulations to violators by giving out tickets.

“At this point we ask that you help us spread the word and relay this to everyone you know who works, shops, eats and explores here in Downtown Dover as we want to make this a smooth transition for everyone,” Ms. Bradbury said. “We know many people will perhaps forget, and some people will need time to become aware and get use to the changes. “

DDP reminders and updates

In other Downtown Dover Partnership news:

• New lighting has been installed in the Bradford/Minor Lot and the Loockerman Way Lot and it is in the process of installing new lighting in the Governors Avenue Lot.

• All parking lots and on-street parking is free on weekdays from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. and then all day/night on weekends.

• ADA spaces (handicapped parking) in all lots is free and open to appropriate tag holders only.

• Visitors to the downtown area who feel unsafe, see something unusual or need an escort in the evening hours, are asked to contact the Dover Police Department non-emergency number at 302-736-7111.

• Anybody needing to purchase a parking pass should visit City Hall at 15 Loockerman Plaza.

• Please note that the parking meter accepts credit cards, dollar bills and change. Anyone that experiences any issues with the meters or has any questions should call the DDP office at 678-2940.