6.
City Council Special Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 01/22/2019
- From:
- David McIntire, Community Investment Director
- Department:
- Economic Vitality
Co-Submitter:
TITLE:
Discussion of the parking inventory study performed by Rich and Associates regarding parking spaces on the north and south sides of Flagstaff's Downtown.
DESIRED OUTCOME:
Council will receive information regarding the parking inventory and current usage in downtown Flagstaff to inform future policy decisions and to enhance understanding of the parking district's current inventory.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Rich and Associates were retained to provide expert analysis of the parking inventory in downtown Flagstaff. The intention was to update previous analysis to understand the impacts of changes in use, recent growth and development, and parking management. This information will be used to assist in making decisions regarding investments in future parking inventory for the ParkFlag Program.
INFORMATION:
Rich and Associates were commissioned to provide a current analysis of the parking inventory in the north and south sections of downtown Flagstaff approximating the more heavily commercial portion of the ParkFlag District. The intention was to improve our understanding of the impact of changes in commercial uses, property development, and parking management. The goal is to use this information, along with other variables, to guide decisions on parking infrastructure investment and management. One important consideration is that this study was relevant for the present, and did not take anticipated future growth into the analysis.
The analysis included:
The document and PowerPoint are attached, and selected key findings are outlined below:
North side of downtown:
These numbers are obviously aggregated by the region and there are some specific areas that are more challenged than others for parking. Some blocks have significant deficiencies while others are parked with additional capacity and some locations are less convenient. Additionally, future growth in the community and the area is anticipated and may increase parking pressure, but national patterns also show some reduction in traffic and parking needs as a potential long term trend. It will be important to take measured steps to address current inventory issues while maintaining an awareness of future trends to ensure the downtown, and residential areas around it, have the optimal parking scenario possible.
The analysis included:
•Updated Land Use Data (provided by City)
•Updated Building Inventory / Parking Supply Inventory (Rich & Associates)
•Occupancy Counts (one day) (Thursday, August 2, 2018, to coincide with peak tourism season)
•Development of Parking Demand Tables based on existing conditions
•Projections for potential higher volume days (+5% to +15% greater than observed)
The document and PowerPoint are attached, and selected key findings are outlined below:
North side of downtown:
- 68.4% of parking is private. 31.6% is public. Rich and Associate's advised best practice is a minimum of 50% of parking being available to the public.
- Occupancy did not exceed 58.1% on the day assessed.
- Most parking stressed time was 11-12 PM. This reflects a high concentration of government offices in the downtown.
- At the peak hour, there was a surplus of 118 parking spaces. Parking was available but potentially inconvenient.
- Rich and Associate's advised best practice for parking is occupancy is 85% with 15% vacant.
- On August 2nd there was sufficient parking for that capacity.
- With an occupancy adjustment of 5%, 10% and 15% for busier days and growth, the parking required for optimal management is between 50 and 162 spaces.
- 50.6% of the parking on the south side is public which meets Rich and Associates best practice.
- Occupancy did not exceed 47% on the day assessed.
- Most stressed time was 5-7 PM which is typical of many communities.
- Even at peak time with upward adjustments, there was sufficient parking as of August 2, 2018.
These numbers are obviously aggregated by the region and there are some specific areas that are more challenged than others for parking. Some blocks have significant deficiencies while others are parked with additional capacity and some locations are less convenient. Additionally, future growth in the community and the area is anticipated and may increase parking pressure, but national patterns also show some reduction in traffic and parking needs as a potential long term trend. It will be important to take measured steps to address current inventory issues while maintaining an awareness of future trends to ensure the downtown, and residential areas around it, have the optimal parking scenario possible.