Need another reason to shop locally? The construction in the Junction has created some parking issues so The West Seattle Junction Association announced that they have teamed up with construction companies Andersen and Compass to offer FREE 2 hour parking at Jefferson Square, underground.

More than half of the 4700 block of California/42nd is under construction. As part of developing the sites and making public safety a top priority, the projects have taken upwards of 20 on-street parking spots.

That means customers who drive through on California or even adjacent streets can't find a parking space.

In a press release The Junction Association said,

"The City of Seattle’s Access Seattle Team, composed of members of the Department of Transportation and the Office of Economic Development, helped facilitate a solution for area businesses. Both Andersen and Compass have agreed to help fund a new free parking program intended to aid their business neighbors. Customers of participating businesses can now get up to two hours of free parking in Jefferson Square’s underground parking garage using Diamond Parking’s Call to Park service. Elliott Bay Brewery, Wallflower Custom Framing and Talarico’s Pizzeria are launching the program, but more on their block may join."

The mechanics of this free parking arrangement are simple. Customers of participating businesses will park in the Jefferson Square underground garage on 42nd Street and immediately bring their license plate number to business staff who will pay for 1-2 hours of free parking. Customers will be responsible for staying within the specified time or can add time using calltopark.com.

This program is available now on a trial basis through January 2015.