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The city is working on implementing its downtown master plan, and part of that plan deals with the area's limited parking. Right now, parking on the street is free, but limited to 2 hours during the business day.

Some business owners say the rules aren't being enforced and available parking is being filled by people leaving their cars for extended periods of time.

One possible change could bring parking meters downtown.

"That would help a lot. People aren't willing to spend money to have their car parked all day there, especially if they work down here or they're here to visit friends at the school,” Carl Caudle with Gold and Silver Buyers, a downtown business, said. “They won't park here and leave their car here for five hours."

Others say the city needs to consider building a parking garage or step up enforcement of current restrictions.

"What we're doing is asking the community to come up with those tools,” Matt Lewis, Director of Development Services said. “Ideas they've seen in other cities, what's worked in the past, what hasn't worked in the past, and we're going to create a parking management program that we're going to present to council for an ultimate solution."

David Moody took over Core Running Company last year. The business owner has always been drawn to Texas town squares, but being in Downtown San Marcos has had its share of issues for his customers.

"They say, 'I got frustrated, I couldn't get a place to park. I'll see you tomorrow,'" Moody said.

Moody said he hopes whatever the city comes up with helps to make San Marcos' downtown district a more convenient destination.

The City is working with Hays County, Texas State University and other stakeholders on the plan. Planners hope to have the new plan in place in the next 90 days.