In a bid to enhance parking management in downtown McKinney, city officials have partnered with AMSYS Innovative Solutions to pilot a new system of digital wayfinding signs. These signs will provide real-time updates on parking availability, helping drivers find open spots more efficiently. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility and convenience for visitors and residents alike.

Technology and Implementation

The digital signs will be strategically placed at parking lots on South Kentucky and East Cloyd streets. Should these lots reach capacity, the signs will direct drivers to the Chestnut Parking Garage, ensuring a smoother parking experience. The technology behind this system relies on ‘computer vision’ and ‘edge computing,’ which processes data on-site without transmitting footage to AMSYS, thus maintaining privacy. Video footage is automatically overwritten every 30 days, ensuring data security.

Funding and Support

This pilot project is funded by McKinney’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1, with a budget of up to $150,000 approved by the board and city council. Although the estimated cost is $105,000, additional funds have been allocated to ensure the best possible implementation. The TIRZ, established in 2010, channels increased tax revenues into local projects, supporting economic development in specific areas.

Future Prospects

City staff have outlined a phased approach to the project. Initially, hardware and software installations will occur over the next three months, followed by a baseline study to assess typical parking lot occupancy. The success of this pilot could lead to an expansion, potentially incorporating remote digital signs to guide drivers as they enter downtown McKinney. This forward-thinking approach aims to maximize the use of existing parking facilities and improve overall traffic flow.

Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.