12/20/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. He noted if the two temporary changes did not work, they would be dropped. - However, if it was found that they were workable, then those solutions may be expanded to other city lots. Assistant Manager noted that the task force and Downtown Development Board Parking Committee had been attempting to find long-range solutions regarding the parking demands downtown. They were trying to address the T-2000 Plan and other policies of the city, as well as eliminate usage of the free lots by both private and public employees. It was hoped there would be some course of action to recommend to the DDB by the end of the fiscal year. He said this report and changes were part of that effort. He said there may be other experimental changes, and Council would be notified of such. Mr. Obie thanked staff for its report, noting his appreciation for the information. Mayor Keller said the DDB is very aware of the parking problem, and the necessity to provide more parking spaces to keep the downtown a viable area. As it becomes more viable, with more people working in the downtown area, there will be a need for more parking. He was very pleased to see work was being done to address the problems and hoped something innovative could be provided. Mr. Delay concurred with the parking experiments. He noted it unfortunate that people did not view parking structures as being as close to the shopping areas as open parking spaces. He wondered - if anything could be done to break the barrier of people viewing parking structures in this way. Assistant Manager said the DDB is keenly aware of the necessity of informing the public of how to park more conveniently in the downtown area. Mr. Bischoff noted Mr. Delay.s concern was a national trend. He said 60 percent of people, if given the opportunity, will not park in parking garages. Mayor Keller commented on the improvement of the Parcade over the Overpark, in that the Parcade is more open, better lighted, and has an outside elevator. He asked Mr. Bischoff if he felt those decisions ~"ere good ones. Mr. Bischoff replied yes. However, he said there were three surface lots directly across the street from the Parcade. If those lots were to disappear, he felt there would be a much higher usage of the Parcade. Staff will keep Council informed of the progress of the studies, and any future experimental programs. v. Consideration of Public Hearing re: Bike Path on 18th Street Manager said staff was available to discuss the matter with Council at this time. However, they would prefer to refer the matter to the staff and Bike Committee for consideration of alternatives relative to improving safer traffic conditions for both bikes and autos. He noted the public hearing process is usually one in which the City e ~ 12/20/78--7 '91 z::::-...