HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.F.2. Downtown Resident Parking
13# F. ~#
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Downtown Resident Parking
DATE: August 19, 2008
Comment:
Introduction:
At the May 20 City Council meeting, a motion was adopted directing staff to "do some
research on how the City can reserve parking in parking lots for residential tenants in the
downtown area." Councilor Lehman called inquiring the status ofthis on July 31 S\ no
research had been done until his prompt.
Background:
The City currently has a process for issuing parking permits to downtown residents
(defined as those "residing above commercial buildings"). The permits allow those
residents to park in City parking lots beyond the posted time limits, which are typically
24 hours. They do not convey any benefits in regards to on-street parking nor do they
guarantee that there will be an available parking space for the permit holder within the
specified lot. The permits apply to specific public parking lots, are good for one year and
can be obtained at City Hall for no cost.
In recent years very few people have requested one of these parking permits - only one
was applied for in 2007 and there have been no applicants in 2008.
It is our understanding this is for residents who rely upon downtown parking lots for long
term parking. Two lots-the Fuller Street lot south of Laurent Building, and the parking lot
at the NE comer of Second and Lewis Streets are eligible for the 24 hour passes. It is our
understanding that the directive was not to include parking for residents who have their
own off-street parking, or who live adjacent to public streets, such as 3rd Avenue single
family residences.
For the purposes ofthis discussion, we will assume that residents ofthe River City Centre
building have their own off street parking, either underground, or in the lot which is north
of that building which is controlled by the Scott County CDA. By our count, there are 38
other apartments in the downtown core area (north of 2nd, between Sommerville and
Holmes). Not all ofthose residents drive, but some have two vehicles. Based on that,
perhaps as many as 50 spaces might be needed.
It has been noted that some problems have arisen from past users of24 hour permits. For
example, some vehicles have appeared to be abandoned-one car sat for months at a time
with flat tires, but no ticket could be issued because the owner held a permit. Another
permit was for a motorcycle which remained onsite for nearly a year. These items can be
handled through better enforcement.
There is also the philosophical question as to what the City (read: taxpayers) should
provide for tenants who reside in a B3 area. B3 requires no off-street parking, and, as a
result, rental prices should in theory be lower to accommodate that fact. If the City is to
provide assured parking, and be maintained by the City in terms of sweeping and
snowplowing, the apartments be more valuable. Ifthe landlord is able to increase rents as
a results, should there be a fee associated with a permit to help to offset the cost of
providing that parking?
If this is for special events only such as Derby Days and the Car Cruise, it would amount
to a handful of nights each year. Our understanding is that with Derby Days moved to
Huber Park, parking was not an issue for downtown residents this year.
Questions for the Council:
1. Was intent that this would be only for special events, or year-round?
2. Should there be a cost associated with the permits?
Recommendation:
If there is a desire to provide reserved parking for downtown residents, we recommend
starting with a limited number of spaces-perhaps the northern row ofthe lot across from
Bill's Toggery. That consists of twelve spaces now (which includes one space for
disabled parking, which would have to be moved). It would be on a first come, first
served basis. If there is demand for more spaces, those could be added after Council
approval. Additional costs for this would include signage and enforcement.
Relationship to Visioning:
This supports Goal B "High Quality of Life"
Action Required:
Council is asked to provide discussion and direction on the above.
1vQ~
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
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