Parking Management Tactics Up For Debate In Downtown

Downtown Spartanburg has no shortage of parking, (in multiple forms even,) and most of it is free. The question is, how does our community locate and utilize the current parking resources, and how should these resources change as our downtown grows?Todd Litman, world-renowned founder of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, spent last week in Spartanburg through invitation of the Chamber of Commerce. He held numerous workshops and presentations with City leaders and officials, the business community, and downtown patrons-- to best discern our community's vision for its growth. Long on the tongues of downtown visitors and business owners, has been the phrase, "parking is a problem." As Litman lamented, "Parking is invisible; people only notice it when it isn't there." But, is the amount of parking spaces the problem, or is it the perception of the parking experience?The City has two hour free street parking and four garages that charge nominal fees during the day, with free and unlimited parking nights and weekends in both street and garage spaces. Parking in a garage or feeding a meter seems second nature when on vacation, yet, consumers are reluctant to utilize these structures in their hometown. Strategies discussed in the workshops included how to best guide visitors to existing parking, how to make their experience most convenient, and how to encourage walkability downtown.Imagine planning a trip to your favorite music series or restaurant downtown. You pull up the City's new parking app, which notes each lot and garage's current occupancy rate, hourly regulations, and fees. You then choose: a conveniently close spot for a small fee, or a space in a lot a block away for free. In several cities Spartanburg's size nationally, app-enabled meters allow users to pay for the exact number of minutes they are parked, with either cash or card. Should Main St have metered spaces to increase vehicle turnover, and therefore, increased foot traffic downtown? Should the garages be free, aside from individuals' and offices' monthly leased spaces? How can existing public transit be utilized to maximize the downtown experience and best serve the surrounding neighborhoods and colleges?Following the workshop discussions, Litman will prescribe several strategies to manage parking and growth, which the City will then choose to enact in conjunction with its community and economic vision. This discussion ties in neatly with the upcoming 20 month City Comprehensive Plan and community analysis, to replace the existing 2004 model. (More details on that process here.)Do you live, work, or play downtown? Send your thoughts on upcoming parking changes and solutions to idea@intheburg864.com.