(14th in a series of posts on parking)
Bruce E. Haines (not the same person as the previous BAH) and Al Wurth
The Gadfly will divide the responses from the public to the BPA proposal to raise parking meter rates into several posts for sharper focus, and at the end he will summarize the key points and identify the options offered to the $1.50/hr. meter rate. The Gadfly’s notes on each respondent are given below, but you are encouraged to watch the videos and to take your own notes.
8) Bruce E. Haines (not same as previous Bruce A. Haines)
video 6: 10:20-12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGL7g-f8Mo
video 7: 0-6:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTUac2GhRw
23yrs working on Main, serves on DBA board.
Brings a smallbusiness person’s perspective.
Traditional retail, brick and mortar retail, is struggling.
He depends on locals who come several times a year.
In past 5 yrs has had fewer transactions every year.
“We have to think outside-the-box, that thinking in ways that aren’t creative is really just kicking the can down the road.”
Looks like the plan is a rate increase then check in a few years and raise again.
We need a “fresh look” at meters on the margin of the business district.
There’s no reason to have same charge on New St above City Hall the same as Main St — “makes no sense.”
He endorses variable rate parking but not at different times of day – customers want predictability.
Rates could be less expensive on Broad St in the old movie theater section.
And take a look at the 9pm time, might be reasonable some places, but some are residential areas.
Good to take a look at different rates throughout the city, but don’t endorse changing the rates based on “market conditions” – people don’t like to be surprised.
9) Al Wurth
video 7: 6:40-12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTUac2GhRw
Will raising rates raise the revenue?
“That’s the death spiral the parking garages have put us in.”
Much more likely that it’s city residents using the meters on the more dispersed sites.
Long-term parkers are being subsidized by the short-term parkers.
Garages don’t make money in the first place, and yet we are building more of them — who they are serving is difficult to understand.
“Street parking is actually the life blood of the City.”
UNFORTUNATELY, THE TAPE RAN OUT. WE MISSED MOST OF AL’S REMARKS AND ALL OF ALISON’S
