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�� �� <br /> Other Options <br /> One other option which has been mentioned and is not currently being recommended by staff is a <br /> parking assessment district. This concept will be discussed briefly here. <br /> Parking Assessment Districts <br /> Parking assessment districts have the ability to generate money for parking by chazging <br /> Downtown properties an assessment on their property tax. The funds can then be used to pay off <br /> bonds for the construction of a pazking garage, or for other parking-related uses. There are three <br /> main problems with parking assessment districts: <br /> 1. Politically unpopular <br /> 2. Costs get passed on to businesses and customers, regardless of how much parking <br /> they use or don't use <br /> 3. Does nothing to manage the use of parking <br /> Market-rate prices have the benefits of only charging pazkers for parking (not everyone else), of <br /> rationing the supply of limit parking spaces, and of generating significant revenue to operate the <br /> parking system and provide for other powntown improvements. Therefore, if market-rate pricing <br /> is instituted, a pazking assessment district is unnecessary at this time. <br /> Case Studies <br /> To understand the effectiveness of various parking approaches, we will examine pazking in four <br /> sma11 city suburban downtowns. <br /> Palo Alto <br /> Downtown Palo Alto is a very lively and successful downtown, with many offices, restaurants, <br /> retail shops, and nightlife. There are uniquely local enterprises as well as well-liked national <br /> chains to be found there. There is attractive historical architecture and walkable streets. It is busy <br /> at day and night, and on the weekends. <br /> All parking in Downtown Palo Alto is free. To create turnover and discourage employees from <br /> taking prime spaces, the district is divided into four color-coded zones (introduced in 1995). <br /> After two hours, cars must be moved and may not re-park in the same zone. Enforcement of this <br /> system is very strict, and is in effect Monday through Friday, from 8:OOam to S:OOpm. <br /> Downtown Palo Alto is a major employment center, so employee pazking can be a real problem. <br /> To keep employees out of the prime curbside spaces, the zone-wide time limits aze strictly <br /> enforced. According to the Daily News, 52,000 parking citations were issued in Pa10 Alto last <br /> year, or an average of 142 per day. <br /> paste 22 <br />