Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017 - Special

Home

Metered parking —whether on- or off -street —should be designed to encourage people to use it. The time Limits should be fairly enforced so that the needed turnover actually occurs, but don't go overboard. Customers will shop elsewhere if they are turned off by unreasonable and inflexible adher- ence to the rules. Off-street parking needs to be highly visible from the street, but it should not dominate the landscape, break up the retail district into disjointed parts, or be Located farther than one block from storefronts. Parking shouLd be user-friendly, starting with clear signage directing cus- tomers to individual lots and Lighting that is configured to ensure their personal safety and provide a sophisticated ambiance that makes them feeL comfortable at night. Innovative parking designs —such as parking behind, above, or below the stores —should be considered in dense, high -value urban locations. If these configurations are used, parking must be seen as nonthreatening, as visible as possible, and easily accessible, or motorists will avoid it. Shared parking should be planned to accommodate the parking needs of different groups of shoppers as they appear at different times of day. This will eliminate unnec- essary spaces that otherwise would sit unused during periods of inactivity. Transit (retailer -sponsored shuttles, bus, Light rail, and subway) should be actively promoted by developers, retaiLers, and employers because it reduces parking needs, extends the street's trade area, and brings a greater diversity of demand. Don't forget about bicycle parking. Bicycles are a growing part of the urban Lifestyle and parking for them is cheap to build. The need for bicycle parking is especially important in college communities and in neighborhoods with young, highly educated, and sophisticated residents. On -street parking along Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida. The parking garage at Seventh and Collins, Miami Beach, Florida. 13