AgdaPkt 2015-09-28 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Key tenets of the DTPP vision include making pedestrians the priority, integrating transit and bicycle use, capitalizing on public transit options within downtown, making the train the primary mode of transportation for daytime and evening commuters, and providing “just enough” parking to meet the needs of downtown visitors without acting as an inducement to drive. All of these goals are interrelated and aim to encourage alternative modes of travel, thus reducing automobile trips into and through downtown. Approval of the Project, including the Parking In-Lieu Fee Application, helps to implement the stated goals and vision for downtown. The Appellants also contend that the 2013 Downtown Parking Plan concluded that additional parking supplies are needed and that parking needs may in the future require new supplies. When the City implemented meter rate amendments in 2014, the City stated that its “’need at this point is for long-term, weekday parking for employees of businesses without dedicated parking.’” (See, e.g., Carr Appeal, p. 7; J&S Appeal, July 22, 2015 letter, p. 1, and June 10, 2015 letter, pp. 25-28.) As described below, the City has ample bases to deny the appeal on this ground. The 2013 Downtown Parking Study presented the results of a parking demand model. The model estimated parking demand under multiple scenarios, one of which was similar to current conditions – low vacancy rates (3%) and a parking supply reduced due to the development of the City’s Middlefield Parking Lot (now the Crossing 900 project). The model predicted a shortage of 73 parking spaces during the weekday midday (demand 1,836 spaces divided by the practical capacity of 85% - weekday midday parking supply of 2,087 spaces = 73 spaces). However, as evidenced by the data noted above (468 spaces available in public, off-street facilities on an average weekday), the predicted weekday midday parking shortage has not materialized and there continues to be an adequate supply of weekday parking. While there may be a perception that parking isn’t available, this is not supported by the data and, therefore, no grounds to deny the Project on this point. For the reasons set forth above, the City Council has ample grounds to deny the appeals with respect to the Planning Commission’s approval of the Parking In-Lieu Fee. Appellants’ contentions fail to show that the City lacks grounds to approve the in-lieu parking fee application. 7.A. - Page 18