Fairhope, Alabama
PARKING GARAGE USE UP?
Downtown merchants and Faulkner State College representatives were the last of three focus groups to meet with consultants Dan Burden and Samantha Thomas yesterday about parking and transportation issues in the downtown central business district.
The sessions were conducted to gather input/ideas for his team before making final recommendations to the Public at a meeting next week, Burden said.
This particular group seemed to contradict those earlier in the day by saying that use of the garage is much better than had been reported, and is often filled up (except for the upper deck).
Tourists and visitors use the deck the most, they observed, locals prefer using on street parking as they always have; some of the merchants are requiring their employees park there (garage).
Sometimes the doors to stairwells are locked preventing access by the public, but windows were installed recently for security purposes. Using the elevator can be scary, too.
Employees eating up on-street parking is a big problem too, Burden said.
Each space lost represents potential sales of up to $200K a year.
There is no way to force anyone to park in certain places, but "incentives" may be offered.
COLLEGE STUDENTS A BIG CONCERN
Several merchants and library director Dean pointed the finger at Faulkner students for scarce parking on the east side and advocated for more parking on the campus itself; but Dr. John Borom was adamant in that no more space existed there for parking -- and the city agreed in writing to provide all parking for students back in the 1980s anyway.
Any vacant space left on the campus will be "built out" within ten years, he said.
The college has 1,500 students currently that contribute significantly to the local economy and the only solution for the parking problem was an "environmentally friendly" shuttle service run by the city circulating regularly around town: he was opposed to placing any parking restrictions on his students.
He thought federal grants may be available to fund the shuttle.
"PLACEMAKING" AND "WAYFINDING" PRIORITIES
Burden recommended to work with what exists now rather than think about adding new facilities (parking lots?) -- and to concentrate on improving the parking garage area to make it more accessible/pedestrian friendly.
Burden called the garage area an "ugly eyesore" now but with potential to become a more desirable place for retail and social life: "one of the best public places in America."
Cleaning up the area and installing plants, artwork, etc. was discussed as well as better signage directing visitors there.
Improving the appearances of the back side of the businesses along the south-side alley with public access to the stores from the rear was also mentioned -- as well as better lightning and security measures.
The parking deck is only a part of the overall issue though, finding ways to maximize on-street parking everywhere downtown is his team's goal too, Burden said.
WALKING TOUR SCHEDULED TODAY
Anyone who participated in the workshops may attend a walking tour with Burden to begin at 2PM at Centennial Hall on the Faukner campus -- and a discussion to follow.
The general public is invited to attend the final presentation of recommended solutions Monday at the civic center (8AM, free coffee and donuts).
 |
| Dan Burden at left |
PARKING GARAGE USE UP?
Downtown merchants and Faulkner State College representatives were the last of three focus groups to meet with consultants Dan Burden and Samantha Thomas yesterday about parking and transportation issues in the downtown central business district.
The sessions were conducted to gather input/ideas for his team before making final recommendations to the Public at a meeting next week, Burden said.
This particular group seemed to contradict those earlier in the day by saying that use of the garage is much better than had been reported, and is often filled up (except for the upper deck).
Tourists and visitors use the deck the most, they observed, locals prefer using on street parking as they always have; some of the merchants are requiring their employees park there (garage).
Sometimes the doors to stairwells are locked preventing access by the public, but windows were installed recently for security purposes. Using the elevator can be scary, too.
Employees eating up on-street parking is a big problem too, Burden said.
Each space lost represents potential sales of up to $200K a year.
There is no way to force anyone to park in certain places, but "incentives" may be offered.
COLLEGE STUDENTS A BIG CONCERN
 |
| Dr. Borom third from right |
Any vacant space left on the campus will be "built out" within ten years, he said.
The college has 1,500 students currently that contribute significantly to the local economy and the only solution for the parking problem was an "environmentally friendly" shuttle service run by the city circulating regularly around town: he was opposed to placing any parking restrictions on his students.
He thought federal grants may be available to fund the shuttle.
"PLACEMAKING" AND "WAYFINDING" PRIORITIES
Burden recommended to work with what exists now rather than think about adding new facilities (parking lots?) -- and to concentrate on improving the parking garage area to make it more accessible/pedestrian friendly.
 |
| "ugly" garage? |
Burden called the garage area an "ugly eyesore" now but with potential to become a more desirable place for retail and social life: "one of the best public places in America."
Cleaning up the area and installing plants, artwork, etc. was discussed as well as better signage directing visitors there.
Improving the appearances of the back side of the businesses along the south-side alley with public access to the stores from the rear was also mentioned -- as well as better lightning and security measures.
The parking deck is only a part of the overall issue though, finding ways to maximize on-street parking everywhere downtown is his team's goal too, Burden said.
WALKING TOUR SCHEDULED TODAY
Anyone who participated in the workshops may attend a walking tour with Burden to begin at 2PM at Centennial Hall on the Faukner campus -- and a discussion to follow.
The general public is invited to attend the final presentation of recommended solutions Monday at the civic center (8AM, free coffee and donuts).
 |
| Section St. below |
Comments
our leadership is failing us .