ok so I'm following up to your comment late here.

I was out on my motorcycle today for the first time this year burning off the old (but stabilized) gas. You're right. The lot she was referring to is on the Southeast corner of 9th and Reed. I cannot believe it's just free; you're telling me it's just a random lot that is first come first serve? No way. My friend lived half a block down on Reed at that side street and I don't recall ever being able to park there. Are we sure it's not connected to the adjacent property? Maybe for the residents of that? I need to know more, I just can't believe there's a communal free lot that anyone is welcomed to park in.