Well now here we are in January, and apparently this is one of the topics under reconsideration. There are apparently two problems right now with the “reparking” program. The first problem is that instead of actually freeing up parking spots, you are just rotating cars around to the next block at various intervals. So you have the same amount of cars parking for the most part, they simply move from one block face to another. Rather than saving parking spots, it is probably creating more traffic problems.
The second problem came up during a budget item in November: the city is running short in revenue from parking fines. What has happened is with such a strict enforcement system with the new reparking prohibitions coupled with the GPS units (that really look Orwellian) on top of the parking enforcement vehicles, is that people have been complying with the law. Now that may seem like a good thing, but as we discovered in November, the city actually used to count on that revenue source in their budget. The stricter regulations have led to a decrease in a source of revenue for the city. Only perhaps in Davis is it a bad thing that people are being more diligent about following the law.
In short, it appears that the tougher restrictions have not met either the objective of cleaning up the parking problem of downtown streets and they have resulted in the unintended consequence of actually reducing city revenue collected in fines. On the other hand, they may have the drawback of discouraging people from having lengthy shopping visits to downtown by putting an artificial or psychological cap on the amount of the time they spend.
These factors would seem to be a strong incentive for the downtown businesses to find other solutions to the perpetual and growing problem of parking. Not to mention, we need to figure out a way to make people use the under utilized existing parking structures for their parking.
It is our opinion that the city of Davis ought to abandon the “reparking” prohibition in the downtown area and work towards encouraging people to utilize the parking structures and alternative forms of transportation into the downtown core. With the inevitable development of the new Target facility on the periphery, it is all the more imperative that these solutions be developed sooner rather than later so that we can preserve the character of our downtown and allow it to continue to thrive into the future.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
The city has always encouraged us to “buy locally” despite the fact that prices are often higher in town, and now they have made it difficult to spend a relaxing afternoon actually wandering about to shop. This is another wonderful example of failure to think things through.
The city has always encouraged us to “buy locally” despite the fact that prices are often higher in town, and now they have made it difficult to spend a relaxing afternoon actually wandering about to shop. This is another wonderful example of failure to think things through.
The city has always encouraged us to “buy locally” despite the fact that prices are often higher in town, and now they have made it difficult to spend a relaxing afternoon actually wandering about to shop. This is another wonderful example of failure to think things through.
The city has always encouraged us to “buy locally” despite the fact that prices are often higher in town, and now they have made it difficult to spend a relaxing afternoon actually wandering about to shop. This is another wonderful example of failure to think things through.
Unfortunately, suggesting the City should focus on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and using the underutilized parking structure doesn’t mean it’s going to happen or that it will be successful. we can encourage all day but people are instinctively programmed to make decisions based on what is most convenient for themselves (like an unwillingness to walk three blocks to their destination from a parking structure).
Ultimately, you’re not providing a sound parking policy solution to a real parking problem. Davis has been shifting away from alternative modes for some time, likely because of changing demographics. Yours is a naive solution to a complex problem that many cities face. Had you offered suggestions or logical incentives for people to use alternative modes, one could take your suggestion more seriously.
Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.
If we were truly concerned about the health of downtown businesses with respect to Target, then perhaps our fellow residents might have considered that prior to voting for it. Conversely, perhaps when Target is built, some of the pressure will be relased from downtown parking.
Unfortunately, suggesting the City should focus on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and using the underutilized parking structure doesn’t mean it’s going to happen or that it will be successful. we can encourage all day but people are instinctively programmed to make decisions based on what is most convenient for themselves (like an unwillingness to walk three blocks to their destination from a parking structure).
Ultimately, you’re not providing a sound parking policy solution to a real parking problem. Davis has been shifting away from alternative modes for some time, likely because of changing demographics. Yours is a naive solution to a complex problem that many cities face. Had you offered suggestions or logical incentives for people to use alternative modes, one could take your suggestion more seriously.
Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.
If we were truly concerned about the health of downtown businesses with respect to Target, then perhaps our fellow residents might have considered that prior to voting for it. Conversely, perhaps when Target is built, some of the pressure will be relased from downtown parking.
Unfortunately, suggesting the City should focus on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and using the underutilized parking structure doesn’t mean it’s going to happen or that it will be successful. we can encourage all day but people are instinctively programmed to make decisions based on what is most convenient for themselves (like an unwillingness to walk three blocks to their destination from a parking structure).
Ultimately, you’re not providing a sound parking policy solution to a real parking problem. Davis has been shifting away from alternative modes for some time, likely because of changing demographics. Yours is a naive solution to a complex problem that many cities face. Had you offered suggestions or logical incentives for people to use alternative modes, one could take your suggestion more seriously.
Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.
If we were truly concerned about the health of downtown businesses with respect to Target, then perhaps our fellow residents might have considered that prior to voting for it. Conversely, perhaps when Target is built, some of the pressure will be relased from downtown parking.
Unfortunately, suggesting the City should focus on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and using the underutilized parking structure doesn’t mean it’s going to happen or that it will be successful. we can encourage all day but people are instinctively programmed to make decisions based on what is most convenient for themselves (like an unwillingness to walk three blocks to their destination from a parking structure).
Ultimately, you’re not providing a sound parking policy solution to a real parking problem. Davis has been shifting away from alternative modes for some time, likely because of changing demographics. Yours is a naive solution to a complex problem that many cities face. Had you offered suggestions or logical incentives for people to use alternative modes, one could take your suggestion more seriously.
Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.
If we were truly concerned about the health of downtown businesses with respect to Target, then perhaps our fellow residents might have considered that prior to voting for it. Conversely, perhaps when Target is built, some of the pressure will be relased from downtown parking.
“Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.”
But that’s not working, now is it?
“Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.”
But that’s not working, now is it?
“Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.”
But that’s not working, now is it?
“Bottom line for me: On street parking should be dedicated for short term use (90-120 minutes) and long-term parking should be reserved for the structures. It’s sound parking policy and best for business.”
But that’s not working, now is it?
It’s not working because they allowed reparking. Remove that policy and the problem goes away.
It’s not working because they allowed reparking. Remove that policy and the problem goes away.
It’s not working because they allowed reparking. Remove that policy and the problem goes away.
It’s not working because they allowed reparking. Remove that policy and the problem goes away.
They don’t allow reparking, you have to move your car to another block.
They don’t allow reparking, you have to move your car to another block.
They don’t allow reparking, you have to move your car to another block.
They don’t allow reparking, you have to move your car to another block.
Another option is to have parking kiosks downtown where the first 90-120 minutes are free and any amount beyond that, people must pay a fee. That both encourages short-term users but also gives long-term users a choice of parking on-street or in the (presumably) less expensive parking structures.
p.s. I’ll create a Google identity here soon enough.
Another option is to have parking kiosks downtown where the first 90-120 minutes are free and any amount beyond that, people must pay a fee. That both encourages short-term users but also gives long-term users a choice of parking on-street or in the (presumably) less expensive parking structures.
p.s. I’ll create a Google identity here soon enough.
Another option is to have parking kiosks downtown where the first 90-120 minutes are free and any amount beyond that, people must pay a fee. That both encourages short-term users but also gives long-term users a choice of parking on-street or in the (presumably) less expensive parking structures.
p.s. I’ll create a Google identity here soon enough.
Another option is to have parking kiosks downtown where the first 90-120 minutes are free and any amount beyond that, people must pay a fee. That both encourages short-term users but also gives long-term users a choice of parking on-street or in the (presumably) less expensive parking structures.
p.s. I’ll create a Google identity here soon enough.
The battle of anonymous posters. Which I don’t mind, but it is nicer to know who is who, at least for purposes of identification.
My main purpose was to highlight the current problem with parking that I think will require a different solution than the one that they have come up with now, which is basically one which rotates cars around the block.
I really wasn’t proposing a solution rather than an examination into creating a new solution.
The parking kiosk is an interesting idea, wonder about it’s feasibility and usability.
The battle of anonymous posters. Which I don’t mind, but it is nicer to know who is who, at least for purposes of identification.
My main purpose was to highlight the current problem with parking that I think will require a different solution than the one that they have come up with now, which is basically one which rotates cars around the block.
I really wasn’t proposing a solution rather than an examination into creating a new solution.
The parking kiosk is an interesting idea, wonder about it’s feasibility and usability.
The battle of anonymous posters. Which I don’t mind, but it is nicer to know who is who, at least for purposes of identification.
My main purpose was to highlight the current problem with parking that I think will require a different solution than the one that they have come up with now, which is basically one which rotates cars around the block.
I really wasn’t proposing a solution rather than an examination into creating a new solution.
The parking kiosk is an interesting idea, wonder about it’s feasibility and usability.
The battle of anonymous posters. Which I don’t mind, but it is nicer to know who is who, at least for purposes of identification.
My main purpose was to highlight the current problem with parking that I think will require a different solution than the one that they have come up with now, which is basically one which rotates cars around the block.
I really wasn’t proposing a solution rather than an examination into creating a new solution.
The parking kiosk is an interesting idea, wonder about it’s feasibility and usability.
Essentially, parking around the corner is reparking. Long-term parkers are using parking supply so short-term parkers have no on-street parking. They give up and go shopping elsewhere.
Essentially, parking around the corner is reparking. Long-term parkers are using parking supply so short-term parkers have no on-street parking. They give up and go shopping elsewhere.
Essentially, parking around the corner is reparking. Long-term parkers are using parking supply so short-term parkers have no on-street parking. They give up and go shopping elsewhere.
Essentially, parking around the corner is reparking. Long-term parkers are using parking supply so short-term parkers have no on-street parking. They give up and go shopping elsewhere.
I know that downtown businesses consider parking to be the top priority, and that the issue has gained greater urgency with the passage of Target. Most likely the DDBA and/or other merchant association will be developing a task force to work with the city on parking proposals. So any creative solutions would be welcome.
Developing more parking within new infill projects, modifying the existing parking regulations, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation are all things I’ve heard mentioned.
Retailers generally prefer short-term parking near their stores. But as we’ve noticed in recent letters to the editor, some people don’t think that 90 minutes or two hours are enough time to eat a leisurely meal and do some shopping. Employees want to leave their cars somewhere all day, and don’t want to walk more than a few blocks. Balancing all those competing interests has stymied past efforts. The sense I get is that the methods you’ve seen amount to experiments, and I don’t think they’re based on public input. If they aren’t working, make your opinion known to businesses and city staff.
I know that downtown businesses consider parking to be the top priority, and that the issue has gained greater urgency with the passage of Target. Most likely the DDBA and/or other merchant association will be developing a task force to work with the city on parking proposals. So any creative solutions would be welcome.
Developing more parking within new infill projects, modifying the existing parking regulations, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation are all things I’ve heard mentioned.
Retailers generally prefer short-term parking near their stores. But as we’ve noticed in recent letters to the editor, some people don’t think that 90 minutes or two hours are enough time to eat a leisurely meal and do some shopping. Employees want to leave their cars somewhere all day, and don’t want to walk more than a few blocks. Balancing all those competing interests has stymied past efforts. The sense I get is that the methods you’ve seen amount to experiments, and I don’t think they’re based on public input. If they aren’t working, make your opinion known to businesses and city staff.
I know that downtown businesses consider parking to be the top priority, and that the issue has gained greater urgency with the passage of Target. Most likely the DDBA and/or other merchant association will be developing a task force to work with the city on parking proposals. So any creative solutions would be welcome.
Developing more parking within new infill projects, modifying the existing parking regulations, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation are all things I’ve heard mentioned.
Retailers generally prefer short-term parking near their stores. But as we’ve noticed in recent letters to the editor, some people don’t think that 90 minutes or two hours are enough time to eat a leisurely meal and do some shopping. Employees want to leave their cars somewhere all day, and don’t want to walk more than a few blocks. Balancing all those competing interests has stymied past efforts. The sense I get is that the methods you’ve seen amount to experiments, and I don’t think they’re based on public input. If they aren’t working, make your opinion known to businesses and city staff.
I know that downtown businesses consider parking to be the top priority, and that the issue has gained greater urgency with the passage of Target. Most likely the DDBA and/or other merchant association will be developing a task force to work with the city on parking proposals. So any creative solutions would be welcome.
Developing more parking within new infill projects, modifying the existing parking regulations, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation are all things I’ve heard mentioned.
Retailers generally prefer short-term parking near their stores. But as we’ve noticed in recent letters to the editor, some people don’t think that 90 minutes or two hours are enough time to eat a leisurely meal and do some shopping. Employees want to leave their cars somewhere all day, and don’t want to walk more than a few blocks. Balancing all those competing interests has stymied past efforts. The sense I get is that the methods you’ve seen amount to experiments, and I don’t think they’re based on public input. If they aren’t working, make your opinion known to businesses and city staff.
As I mentioned previously, I think the parking kiosk makes the most sense:
1. Free on-street parking for 90-120 minutes
2. Fee for on-street parking beyond then.
3. Reduced parking cost for structures compared to on-street beyond 90-120
This gives longer term parkers the option of paying for the convenience of on-street parking without having to move their cars.
This can be easily monitored with the enforcement technology the City already has.
The kiosks, however, are not cheap, but could pay for themselves with longer-term on-street parking fees. Some analysis would still be required, however.
As I mentioned previously, I think the parking kiosk makes the most sense:
1. Free on-street parking for 90-120 minutes
2. Fee for on-street parking beyond then.
3. Reduced parking cost for structures compared to on-street beyond 90-120
This gives longer term parkers the option of paying for the convenience of on-street parking without having to move their cars.
This can be easily monitored with the enforcement technology the City already has.
The kiosks, however, are not cheap, but could pay for themselves with longer-term on-street parking fees. Some analysis would still be required, however.
As I mentioned previously, I think the parking kiosk makes the most sense:
1. Free on-street parking for 90-120 minutes
2. Fee for on-street parking beyond then.
3. Reduced parking cost for structures compared to on-street beyond 90-120
This gives longer term parkers the option of paying for the convenience of on-street parking without having to move their cars.
This can be easily monitored with the enforcement technology the City already has.
The kiosks, however, are not cheap, but could pay for themselves with longer-term on-street parking fees. Some analysis would still be required, however.
As I mentioned previously, I think the parking kiosk makes the most sense:
1. Free on-street parking for 90-120 minutes
2. Fee for on-street parking beyond then.
3. Reduced parking cost for structures compared to on-street beyond 90-120
This gives longer term parkers the option of paying for the convenience of on-street parking without having to move their cars.
This can be easily monitored with the enforcement technology the City already has.
The kiosks, however, are not cheap, but could pay for themselves with longer-term on-street parking fees. Some analysis would still be required, however.
That’s a great suggestion, Brian, and I’ll pass along anything folks suggest here. I don’t know who is going to be working on this issue (not me, since my business isn’t in the downtown). I’m hoping they’ll establish some process for getting public input, since the preferences of shoppers are so varied.
Personally I’m a big fan of the green 20-minute zones and nearly always use those, because I typically have a quick errand. But I can also see how having convenient longer-term parking would be important for some folks, and others might be willing to pay a little more for that option.
I don’t like to dismiss entirely the ‘alternative modes’ option, but realistically they just don’t get much use and are likely to only marginally help with the parking issue.
As it stands, people keep saying that downtown is expensive, hard to get into, and hard to find parking. Those are the perceptions that businesses have to contend with as they face the prospect of a peripheral mega-retailer.
That’s a great suggestion, Brian, and I’ll pass along anything folks suggest here. I don’t know who is going to be working on this issue (not me, since my business isn’t in the downtown). I’m hoping they’ll establish some process for getting public input, since the preferences of shoppers are so varied.
Personally I’m a big fan of the green 20-minute zones and nearly always use those, because I typically have a quick errand. But I can also see how having convenient longer-term parking would be important for some folks, and others might be willing to pay a little more for that option.
I don’t like to dismiss entirely the ‘alternative modes’ option, but realistically they just don’t get much use and are likely to only marginally help with the parking issue.
As it stands, people keep saying that downtown is expensive, hard to get into, and hard to find parking. Those are the perceptions that businesses have to contend with as they face the prospect of a peripheral mega-retailer.
That’s a great suggestion, Brian, and I’ll pass along anything folks suggest here. I don’t know who is going to be working on this issue (not me, since my business isn’t in the downtown). I’m hoping they’ll establish some process for getting public input, since the preferences of shoppers are so varied.
Personally I’m a big fan of the green 20-minute zones and nearly always use those, because I typically have a quick errand. But I can also see how having convenient longer-term parking would be important for some folks, and others might be willing to pay a little more for that option.
I don’t like to dismiss entirely the ‘alternative modes’ option, but realistically they just don’t get much use and are likely to only marginally help with the parking issue.
As it stands, people keep saying that downtown is expensive, hard to get into, and hard to find parking. Those are the perceptions that businesses have to contend with as they face the prospect of a peripheral mega-retailer.
That’s a great suggestion, Brian, and I’ll pass along anything folks suggest here. I don’t know who is going to be working on this issue (not me, since my business isn’t in the downtown). I’m hoping they’ll establish some process for getting public input, since the preferences of shoppers are so varied.
Personally I’m a big fan of the green 20-minute zones and nearly always use those, because I typically have a quick errand. But I can also see how having convenient longer-term parking would be important for some folks, and others might be willing to pay a little more for that option.
I don’t like to dismiss entirely the ‘alternative modes’ option, but realistically they just don’t get much use and are likely to only marginally help with the parking issue.
As it stands, people keep saying that downtown is expensive, hard to get into, and hard to find parking. Those are the perceptions that businesses have to contend with as they face the prospect of a peripheral mega-retailer.
What a super discussion of the issue and possible avenues to address it. I hope that our city staff and council representatives are checking out this website… stop paying all those consultants and click on People’s Vanguard of Davis!
What a super discussion of the issue and possible avenues to address it. I hope that our city staff and council representatives are checking out this website… stop paying all those consultants and click on People’s Vanguard of Davis!
What a super discussion of the issue and possible avenues to address it. I hope that our city staff and council representatives are checking out this website… stop paying all those consultants and click on People’s Vanguard of Davis!
What a super discussion of the issue and possible avenues to address it. I hope that our city staff and council representatives are checking out this website… stop paying all those consultants and click on People’s Vanguard of Davis!
If the city is losing money on ticket collections why don’t they invest in parking meters? That certainly would have been a better investment than red light cameras.
If the city is losing money on ticket collections why don’t they invest in parking meters? That certainly would have been a better investment than red light cameras.
If the city is losing money on ticket collections why don’t they invest in parking meters? That certainly would have been a better investment than red light cameras.
If the city is losing money on ticket collections why don’t they invest in parking meters? That certainly would have been a better investment than red light cameras.
I would have to look again, I’m not certain that they are losing money or simply failing to meet budgeted revenue projections.
I would have to look again, I’m not certain that they are losing money or simply failing to meet budgeted revenue projections.
I would have to look again, I’m not certain that they are losing money or simply failing to meet budgeted revenue projections.
I would have to look again, I’m not certain that they are losing money or simply failing to meet budgeted revenue projections.