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Relief in Sight for Downtown Parkers?
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Business New Haven
3/18/2002
By: Linda Mele
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With all the noise about new economic development initiatives in downtown New Haven, the 15,000-plus parking spaces (surface, private, public lots and metered) already in the city aren't enough to meet the current demand. So where new spaces might be sited is a problem that needs to be addressed.
William Kilpatrick, director of the New Haven Parking Authority (NHPA), says that the $11 million renovation of the former Macy's garage should be completed by April or May, making available 1,200 spaces.
However, “Those spaces are committed to existing downtown offices,” Kilpatrick says, “and are part of the 15,000 count.”
The $9 million-plus “Mid-Block Garage” bordered by Church, Wall, Elm and Orange streets, which is supposed to provide 850 spaces, has jumped another hurdle in the process: a design contract has been awarded, says Town Green Special Services District executive director and parking committee chairman Scott Healy.
“It will provide another 800 to 900 parking spaces and should be ready for use in the spring and will help make [redevelopment of the former SNET headquarters building at] 227 Church Street more viable.”
The next hurdle for the 12- to 15-month project is a commitment from the State Bonding Commission, Healy adds.
Kilpatrick also says the city provides free parking downtown for the summer concert series and free parking at the Temple Street garage on Saturday nights, though that doesn't alleviate the daytime, work-week shortfall.
Kilpatrick says another parking garage at Union Station is sorely needed, providing 900 to 1,000 spaces.
Healy says that wherever the new Amtrak 1,000-space “super station” - West Haven or Orange - it will provide some relief for New Haven and Milford with regard to parking, but it will be geared toward rail users.
Some of those who park at Union Station take a shuttle bus to the downtown area courtesy of the city and the decorative trolleys slated for downtown shuttle service will also provide some assistance in moving people around the city center.
With such parking woes already facing the city, what percentage of valuable potential commercial/retail space in the downtown area might need to be devoted to parking?
Whatever redevelopment plans emerge for the former Macy's building, the old Malley's site and other areas that could be renovated for public or private use will have to take that into consideration.
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