Cedar Street Downtown Parking

At a glance

What: Restriction of all on-street parking along East Cedar Street from North Academy Street to Walker Street.
Where it stands: Amendment to Traffic Schedule 8 adopted Aug 27, 2026, 7-0.
Reason: Increase traffic flow and reduce congestion in downtown area.

Cedar Street is partially within North Carolina Railroad right-of-way; the road curves toward the river and reaches the parking deck facade at the railroad's property.
Amtrak and CSX use the track (CSX about twice daily).
No sidewalk currently exists on Cedar Street; restricting parking improves visibility for pedestrians walking in the street.
Long-standing request for sidewalk addition exists; any future work would require railroad encroachment permission.

Kohn-Johnson raised concerns about railroad right-of-way and potential displacement of town parking if railroad needs the space.
Bush noted sidewalk safety concerns and mentioned prior discussion about sidewalk priority list.
Attorney Glover confirmed town has railroad's permission to remain; any work requires encroachment agreement.
Manager Overton indicated sidewalk request was added to priority list but requires funding source.

Amendment to Traffic Schedule 8 passed 7-0; motion by Bush, seconded by Kohn-Johnson.