Fairhope, Alabama
LACK OF USE CONCERNS OFFICIALS
The mayor and some council members have been discussing ways to get more use out of the city's municipal parking deck -- which sits half-empty at times -- to relieve the chronic parking shortage on streets in the downtown area.
After Mayor Kant mentioned about 3 weeks ago that he had heard complaints about it "being too dark in there" Electric Superintendent Sligh began installing new fixtures and improved bulbs; and lowering the fixtures themselves that had originally been installed up in the recesses between the concrete beams. (Several of the old bulbs had been burned out for some time, apparently)
The lenses of the new ones have been removed too, to increase intensity.
The main problem seems to be in daylight hours -- when the glare from outside makes it appear dimmer inside to the human eye.
Sligh: "We have gotten complaints since day one ... especially on lowest level and in daytime. We replaced them with LEDs ... energy savings around 70% ... lighting level now is good ... a 10 year warranty ... life expectancy 60,000 hours. "
SPACES TOO SMALL?
The Times has heard complaints from citizens as well about lack of room for turning inside: and the individual spaces (10ft wide) themselves may be too small for larger vehicles.
About half of the spaces there are reserved for use by Hampton Inn guests only.
EMPLOYEE PARKING STILL AN ISSUE
The long-standing problem of some shop owners and their employees parking in front of their stores all day long is still a major issue too: one councilman has proposed returning to the 2hr limit that existed back in the 1990s.
Faulkner College student parking is another chronic issue.
The last city council debated those issues about 4 years ago; but decided to let the merchants "self regulate" the problem.
Parking meters were tried back in the 1980s according to the mayor; but the public did not accept them -- so they were removed.
PARKING SHUTTLE PROPOSED
Councilman Burrell suggested they may want to try a shuttle from the parking deck to various places around the downtown to increase usage by the elderly or handicapped who may have difficulty walking far -- by using a golf cart-type vehicle similar to ones currently used at Thomas Hospital.
LACK OF USE CONCERNS OFFICIALS
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| Fairhope parking deck |
The mayor and some council members have been discussing ways to get more use out of the city's municipal parking deck -- which sits half-empty at times -- to relieve the chronic parking shortage on streets in the downtown area.
After Mayor Kant mentioned about 3 weeks ago that he had heard complaints about it "being too dark in there" Electric Superintendent Sligh began installing new fixtures and improved bulbs; and lowering the fixtures themselves that had originally been installed up in the recesses between the concrete beams. (Several of the old bulbs had been burned out for some time, apparently)
The lenses of the new ones have been removed too, to increase intensity.
The main problem seems to be in daylight hours -- when the glare from outside makes it appear dimmer inside to the human eye.
Sligh: "We have gotten complaints since day one ... especially on lowest level and in daytime. We replaced them with LEDs ... energy savings around 70% ... lighting level now is good ... a 10 year warranty ... life expectancy 60,000 hours. "
 |
| old fixtures |
 |
| new fixtures |
SPACES TOO SMALL?
The Times has heard complaints from citizens as well about lack of room for turning inside: and the individual spaces (10ft wide) themselves may be too small for larger vehicles.
About half of the spaces there are reserved for use by Hampton Inn guests only.
 |
| parking spaces too small? |
EMPLOYEE PARKING STILL AN ISSUE
The long-standing problem of some shop owners and their employees parking in front of their stores all day long is still a major issue too: one councilman has proposed returning to the 2hr limit that existed back in the 1990s.
Faulkner College student parking is another chronic issue.
The last city council debated those issues about 4 years ago; but decided to let the merchants "self regulate" the problem.
Parking meters were tried back in the 1980s according to the mayor; but the public did not accept them -- so they were removed.
PARKING SHUTTLE PROPOSED
Councilman Burrell suggested they may want to try a shuttle from the parking deck to various places around the downtown to increase usage by the elderly or handicapped who may have difficulty walking far -- by using a golf cart-type vehicle similar to ones currently used at Thomas Hospital.
Comments
I have used the parking garage and drive a four door 4 wheel drive truck and never have had any problems getting in or out.
I agree. Paint or plant some flowers on it and people will be flocking to park in there. LOL.