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114 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix recommended that whatever is done on Third <br />Street be done all at one time. <br /> <br />TRAFFIC CROSSING MALL <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix explained that the original plan for the <br />downtown mall called for having 4th Street open but public <br />opposition had prevented this from occurring. The argument in <br />favor of such crossing was to increase the visibility of the <br />mall, but Mr. Hendrix stated that the question remains <br />whether crossing the mall would present a significant safety <br />problem/hazard. ~ <br /> <br /> Ms. Sue Lewis, Chair of the Planning Commission, stated <br />that she opposes allowing traffic to cross the mall. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she previously opposed traffic <br />crossing the mall, but has since seen similar crossings work <br />in other communities. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that he was told by an economic <br />development consultant that the mall is too long and <br />suggested that crossing the mall be allowed in phases, <br />beginning with 1st Street, on the condition that steps are <br />taken to ensure that traffic does not impact the North <br />Downtown neighborhood. <br /> <br /> It was agreed that the joint public hearing would <br />include the issue of traffic crossing the mall and that cost <br />estimates and experiences of other cities would be provided. <br /> <br />SIGNAGE <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja reviewed the locations for the new signage <br />system and stated that they should be in place by the end of <br />the year. <br /> <br />PARKING RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> <br /> Mr. Ron Higgins, Planner in the Department of Community <br />Development and Chair of the staff committee on parking, <br />reviewed the committee's recommendations as follows: 1) <br />establish consistency in the pricing of hourly parking in the <br />downtown area; 2) convert current two-hour parking to one- <br />hour parking; 3) initially price the Water Street garage at <br />$45 a month for monthly parking; 4) raise the Market Street <br />garage to $55 a month for monthly parking; 5) institute a new <br />monthly parking system in the unregulated outer ring using a <br />$15 commuter hang tag; 6) increase parking fines to $10 per <br />violation if paid within 48 hours; 7) embark on an active <br />promotional campaign by CPC for the two garages; and 8) work <br />with downtown employers, including the City, to establish 'J <br />employee parking management policies and incentives for <br />reduced vehicle use. <br /> <br /> Mr. Herman Key, Planning Commissioner, suggested that <br />financial incentives for long-term parking be explored. <br /> <br /> Mr. Blake Caravati, Planning Commissioner, stated that <br />commuter parking areas may need to be expanded and questioned <br />why unlimited parking was provided to State and County <br />police. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Higgins <br />stated that the police felt that they could enforce the <br />recommendations of the committee. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she would like to look more at <br />traffic reduction strategies. <br /> <br /> Ms. Linda Bowen, planning Commissioner, noted that many <br />of these same issues will exist along West Main Street and <br />suggested that this area be considered as well. <br /> <br /> <br />