2009-02-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 6) Create 12 Vespa/Motorcycle spaces where all day parking is allowed. Additional recommendations include: 1) Initiate a zoning text amendment for Planning Commission action that would eliminate the parking exempt zone for downtown projects; 2) Continue to explore ways to improve the efficiency of parking enforcement; 3) Evaluate and choose a location for the next parking garage and develop a financing plan to present to Council; 4) Adopt an ordinance to require that any parking lot that charges for use in periods of less than one month require an attendant or be gated; 5) Determine whether a parking meter system for management of on-street parking in the downtown area is desired. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Brown said that the City has no enabling legislation to require an attendant or gate for parking lots. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Sean Dougherty, representing Octagon Partners, developers working on Garrett Street, said a compromise was reached for parking in the neighborhood and he supports both the compromise and the entire study. Mr. Todd Toms, Moxie Hair Lounge, spoke in favor of the recommendations for the warehouse district. th Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said the study excluded the 4 Street parking garage for the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court because it was outside of the study area, but he questioned the value of the numbers with this garage eliminated from consideration. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, President of the North Downtown Neighborhood Association, expressed concern about commuter parking in the North Downtown neighborhood. She said park and ride sites outside of downtown should be used. Ms. Sharon Manering, 126 Garrett Street, owner of Quince, said parking is vital to the survival of businesses in the warehouse district. Mr. Chris Craytor, representing ACAC, spoke in favor of the parking study recommendations, especially those for the Garrett Street area. Mr. Bob Stroh, 1410 Kenwood Lane, said he appreciates that staff is not recommending changes right now in the cost to park. He said we are inching toward the point where existing garages are full. He said it takes a long time to plan and build parking structures. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Dr. Brown said he agrees with the comments regarding a park and ride lot, especially for employees. He asked what we need to do next to explore the feasibility of a park and ride lot. Mr. Norris suggested that the resolution be amended to add “and explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a park and ride system and a cost analysis.” Dr. Brown noted that parking tickets have declined and he asked what we can do to follow the enforcement recommendations. Police Chief Tim Longo said citations have decreased partly due to staff turnover and vacancies. He said the department is looking at how we can use resources more effectively. He said he would also like to think that people are changing their behaviors. He said if we are too aggressive in enforcement we may do more harm than good, noting that cars of repeat offenders get towed and impounded. Dr. Brown said he supports the Garrett Street recommendations, and supports the park and ride amendment.