Solving Overpriced Downtown Parking?

[cityimrov]

How would you guys solve the parking problem in downtown?  Especially the overpriced parking problem downtown?

Oh, before you guys say there is no parking problem downtown, I bet if you survey all of Duval and the surrounding counties, you'll find the vast majority of people mention there is a parking problem downtown.  If they think there's a parking problem, there's a parking problem. 

Yes, the parking is overpriced.  Parking in downtown for an average citizen of Jacksonville who comes to see a show or fireworks or convention will pay $10.  That means every time they visit downtown, they spend $10 on parking.  This is too expensive. 

[mtraininjax]

Oh, before you guys say there is no parking problem downtown, I bet if you survey all of Duval and the surrounding counties, you'll find the vast majority of people mention there is a parking problem downtown.  If they think there's a parking problem, there's a parking problem. 

Most of the people I ask about downtown will say "Where's that?"

Where is parking 10 bucks? I park on the street for a quarter to 50 cents if an hour, or longer with our cool new meters that accept nickels, dimes and debit cards.

To me, there is not a parking problem, there is however a perception problem.

[cityimrov]

Oh, before you guys say there is no parking problem downtown, I bet if you survey all of Duval and the surrounding counties, you'll find the vast majority of people mention there is a parking problem downtown.  If they think there's a parking problem, there's a parking problem. 

Most of the people I ask about downtown will say "Where's that?"

Where is parking 10 bucks? I park on the street for a quarter to 50 cents if an hour, or longer with our cool new meters that accept nickels, dimes and debit cards.

To me, there is not a parking problem, there is however a perception problem.

"$10 Special Event Parking"

Most people only go to downtown when there is a special event at the Times Union Center or The Landing.  That is their only impression of the place.

Their parking experience is either a bunch of overpriced parking lots next to empty lots which say "Monthly Parking Only: Violates Will Be Towed" or "No Parking Allowed".  They don't know how to parallel park and their impression of street parking is that people are going to steal their car so that leaves the lots for them. 

To make things even more fun, they are not used to all the one way roads so once they pass by a lot, they completely miss the venue while having a panic attack all while trying to figure out how to get back to it and that $10 parking lot.  Oh, and don't forget to block half the roads with police cars and traffic lanes to make them even more lost.

If that was my only impression of the place, no wonder I would go to the SJTC!  Parking is easy to find there and I don't have to worry about being fined or towed.  Fireworks and shows like Riverdance brings people to Downtown.  Downtown does everything it can to make sure they never come back.

I know how to park in downtown and I don't even like going to downtown except when I have to for fear of my car being fined, towed, ticketed, or crashed into.  It's such a hassle to get into. 

If I were in charge, I would make three of the city owned garages FREE and open 24/7.  Then I advertise to everyone in the city that Water Street is the "Official Parking Garage of Downtown Jacksonville".  If Water Street becomes full, I would put lots of big colorful signs and have people in bright orange shirts in charge to direct them to show them other low cost parking spots around town.  They would also help them get to different venues around town.  They should be as friendly and helpful as a Publix store clerk while not hassling you about parking regulations like the ones who are currently in charge of these lots.  Whatever I would do, I would make parking a pleasant experience to all of downtown Jacksonville's guests.

As for how to pay for this?  I'm sure the increased tax revenue by people actually wanting to come to downtown will more than pay for these minor expenses.

[tufsu1]

$10 for special event parking is relatively cheap...for comparison, how much does it cost to park for a Jags game?

[cityimrov]

$10 for special event parking is relatively cheap...for comparison, how much does it cost to park for a Jags game?

That's even worse.  Every time an average Jacksonville resident goes to downtown to see a show or see a game, they pay $10-$30 for parking.  Not only did they pay for parking, they also bought an expensive ticket to the game or to a show.  This is training them that downtown is a very expensive place to go and they should only do it when they can afford it to see this one special event. 

That is not how you revive downtown unless you want it to be crowded only on rare special events.  If that was the goal of the city, then it reached it.  No, not just reached, they surpassed it.

[Noone]

+1^ But isn't that the new plan? The expanded Entertainment District with the new Authority taking over all the Parking Revenue except for city council members. More covered meters?

[thelakelander]

You can't turn downtown around worrying about special event parking rates on private property.  I also don't believe you can regulate what someone can charge another to park on their property.

[BridgeTroll]

They don't know how to parallel park and their impression of street parking is that people are going to steal their car so that leaves the lots for them.

Sounds like the "problem" is THEIRS to solve...

Additionally... when do "special events" occur?  Normally at night and/or on the weekends... when parking is FREE on the streets.  Of course you will not find a free spot right in front of the Landing or Florida theater... but within a block or two their are hundreds of free parking spots.  Of course parking there requires... locking your car, basic parallel parking competence, and the ability or motivation to walk a few feet.  Looks to me like people are being charged extra for convenience, laziness, and unfounded fears... and I have no problem with that...

[thelakelander]

I must say, I've never paid for special event parking in downtown.  I just park on the street...even for the Jaguar games I've attended. 

Also, just a general question....are people not required to show they can parallel park when getting a driver's license now? Just wondering.

[acme54321]

If there was something to draw people into downtown they wouldn't care about paying a few bucks to park.   Create a friendly environment with something to do and it won't be a problem.  Lots of other downtowns make you pay to park.  I liked San Diego where they had a mix of paid and free spots, the free spots all had some sort of time limit between 9-5.  If you couldn't find a free one there were usually a paid spot or two open.

[Noone]

You can't turn downtown around worrying about special event parking rates on private property.  I also don't believe you can regulate what someone can charge another to park on their property.

But isn't that the plan for the new Authority to have total control over the parking revenue?

[Bativac]

I must say, I've never paid for special event parking in downtown.  I just park on the street...even for the Jaguar games I've attended. 

Also, just a general question....are people not required to show they can parallel park when getting a driver's license now? Just wondering.

I certainly didn't have to when I got my license here, back in 1996 or thereabouts. Neither did my younger brother or sister. Or my wife, who got her license in Texas.

I've never paid to park in special event parking either, except for the fair once or twice. On street parking is always available if you're willing to walk a bit. But many of the people attending the fireworks show bring their own chairs - they can't even be bothered to stand in one place for an hour, let alone walk a couple blocks...

[BridgeTroll]

they can't even be bothered to stand in one place for an hour, let alone walk a couple blocks...

Then paying ten bucks should not be an issue...

[thelakelander]

You can't turn downtown around worrying about special event parking rates on private property.  I also don't believe you can regulate what someone can charge another to park on their property.

But isn't that the plan for the new Authority to have total control over the parking revenue?

Not that I'm aware of. Perhaps the public owned and operated spaces but definitely not private owned lots.

[JFman00]

$10 for parking is expensive?? Parking was $10 when I went to see an Ice Flyers game (soldout), in Pensacola. I've never had a problem parking downtown and after living in bigger and smaller cities with much worse parking situations, I'm flabbergasted that anyone would complain about the situation here.