How Will Parking Changes Shape Old Towne? A Critical Moment for Permits, Meters, and Community Access

Old Towne Orange is facing another turning point, and this time the challenge isn’t traffic in the Plaza — it’s parking. With the city preparing to introduce paid meters, new enforcement hours, and a permit system for certain residents and businesses, many people are asking the same question: is this really the right direction for Old Towne?

For decades, parking in and around the Plaza has been free, first-come, and part of what makes the neighborhood feel open and welcoming. But as the area has grown more popular — and as the city continues to face rising costs and budget shortfalls — leaders are looking for new ways to manage demand and generate revenue. Paid parking, they say, is the next step.

Under the plan, metered spaces would be added around the Plaza and throughout key Old Towne blocks. Rates would vary based on location, with higher prices close to the circle and lower-cost options in nearby lots. Enforcement would run daily from morning through the evening. Some city-owned lots and the Lemon Street parking structure would remain free. Certain residents and qualified groups could receive no-fee permits, though the rollout and eligibility questions have left many unsure of how it will affect their daily routines.

Supporters of the plan argue that turnover is badly needed. They point to cars that sit in prime spaces all day, delivery delays, and visitors circling endlessly for parking. They believe meters will help create more available spaces for actual customers and reduce congestion. City leaders also emphasize the city’s financial situation: with recent tax proposals failing and costs rising, parking revenue could help stabilize the budget without major cuts.

But many residents and business owners worry the move could change Old Towne for the worse. Some fear paid parking will discourage casual visits — a quick coffee, a lunch stop, a browse through the antique stores. Others feel paid parking takes away from the charm and accessibility that make the Plaza different from other commercial districts. Renters and Chapman-area residents are concerned about spillover into nearby streets, permit fairness, and long-term enforcement. And although one major structure will remain free, locals note it often fills up during peak hours already.

Old Towne is at a crossroads. The city sees this as a practical solution to overcrowding and financial strain. Many residents see it as a step that risks hurting the small businesses and community feel that define the Plaza. And others simply want more clarity on how the permit system will work and whether adjustments will be made after real-world testing.

What We Can Do Now

With the meter program moving forward, the most important thing is staying informed and involved. Residents can follow city updates, attend public meetings, and ask questions about permit rules, pricing, enforcement hours, and free-parking alternatives. Business owners can share how parking changes affect foot traffic and customer behavior. Visitors can voice whether paid meters will influence their decision to spend time in Old Towne.

A Chance to Shape the Future

Old Towne belongs to the people who live in it, work in it, and enjoy it every day. As the city updates its parking system, this is a key moment for the community to weigh in. Are the current plans fair? Are there better ways to balance access, revenue, and neighborhood character? Should the city adjust rates, expand free lots, or refine the permit program?

The decisions made now will shape what Old Towne feels like years from today. This is the moment to speak up, share ideas, and make sure the future of the Plaza reflects the people who care about it most.