[Vision2020] Customers Need Parking

[Tom Hansen]

Bear -

Ron Force was merely analyzing the costs related to a multi-level parking
structure; an option taken into consideration by UI just before the big
empty lot on Sweet Avenue (just east of the ITED building) was converted
into a parking lot.

In fact, unless I am mistaken, it was suggested (laughingly, I suppose)
that a multi-level parking structure be built in the vicinity of
Friendship Square and the Jackson Street lot.  This suggestion did not
grow roots.  Thank God.

One suggestion was brought up a while back (by Bob Greene, I believe) to
create parking lots on the outskirts of Moscow's central business district
and institute a "Park 'n Ride" system supported by local shuttle buses.

Whatcha think, Moscow?

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

> Ron,
>
> A parking structure on  the U of I campus won't work, way to far away
> to downtown.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Jul 30, 2009, at 8:00 PM, Ron Force wrote:
>
>> The topic of a parking structure on the UI Campus was brought up
>> often, and shot down each time, the problem being that it was
>> improbable that people would be willing to pay enough for parking to
>> amortize the costs.  The cost of constructing a multi-story parking
>> garage runs about $50 per square foot, or $15,000 per space.  What
>> would you have to charge to break even, covering the cost of
>> construction?
>>
>> For short-term parking, the garages at WSU charge $1.90/hr or $15/
>> day.  The annual permit for the garages that allow them is $547/yr.
>> River Park Square in Spokane charges $2 per hour (judging from the
>> controversy, that rate is definately non-profit). In contrast, lot
>> parking at UI maxes out at $300 for a gold permit (never sold out),
>> $157 for red, and $61 per year for a blue. What's the probability
>> that the average Muscovite, accustomed to "free" downtown parking
>> would spring for $2/hr to park in a central structure?
>>
>> If a shortage of downtown parking is really critical, one could
>> always bring back parking meters. The new ones even take credit/
>> debit cards!
>>
>> Once again, backing away to a safe distance...
>>
>> Ron Force
>> Moscow, Idaho USA