HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-22 Public Comment - N. Zelver - comments on paid parkingFrom:Nick Zelver
To:Agenda
Subject:Comments on paid parking
Date:Wednesday, September 28, 2022 12:38:11 PM
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I think workforce parking should be a priority before paid parking. I don't think we have the
data to understand how much relief there would be if the pressure from workforce parkingwere mitigated. I haven't seen the results of the recent survey to ask workers about their
parking habits and interests but from what I saw of the survey that was sent out, I have mydoubts that it will be very representative of what would happen if there were a robust
workforce parking program. My gut feeling is that there could be a great relief to the parkingsituation if workforce parking were adequately addressed. I also think there is considerable
overlap with affordable housing and that addressing workforce parking will help people whocannot afford to live downtown have jobs downtown. Workforce parking will also help with
the parking pressures that will come if parking restrictions are relaxed to encourage higherdensity developments near downtown. Workforce parking will also help employers who are
struggling to retain workers - it will lead to a more thriving downtown. Addressing workforceparking could also overlap in improving visitations of locals going downtown which will
further help the parking limitations.
I do not think the price of parking is adequately factored into decision making and planning. If one parking place cost $20,000 - $60,000 plus annual maintenance, how could that money
be applied to other ways to address transportation / parking such as busing, shuttle, workforceparking, improved bike lanes, etc.? I realize that it may be easier to secure money for a
parking garage or other spaces vs. other ways to address the issue but it would be interesting toknow what even a few million could do for addressing parking issues other than building more
parking spaces. The funding for parking should be considered on an equitable basis. Notbuilding a parking space and applying the funds to alternative transportation should be at least
as valued as building a space - that does not even factor in the added value of mitigatingclimate change or aesthetic considerations and workforce housing issues.
I am not opposed to paid parking or parking garages but I think they get prioritized over
creative and more advanced planning concepts that are unfolding in other cities along withchanges in transportation modes. I would feel much better in seeing well thought out new
approaches to the problem than what appears to be reaching back to traditional transportationapproaches. Minor point - I think the idea of seasonally changing paid parking is a mistake. I
think it would be much better to be consistent on the paid parking throughout the year.
Best of luck in working through this difficult challenge.
Nick Zelver433 Clifden Drive
406-599-5500