Downtown Middlebury’s continued growth is bringing with it a familiar challenge: parking.

A 2024 study found that peak parking demand occurs between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the heaviest congestion around lunchtime. The analysis focused on the four core downtown blocks – northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast – and found that three of the four regularly exceed 85% occupancy, the point at which parking begins to feel full and difficult to find.

The southeast zone, which includes many of Middlebury’s popular shops and restaurants, experiences the greatest demand. Overall, the study identified a shortfall of about 162 parking spaces.

However, officials stress that the report is not recommending immediate construction of new lots. Instead, it calls for a balanced approach combining better parking management, policy updates, partnerships with local businesses, and targeted additions in key areas.

The goal, planners say, is to make downtown parking more efficient and user-friendly as Middlebury continues to grow.

Residents can review the full study and share feedback at www.engage.macog.com/middlebury-downtown-parking