Nouri presented the findings of the 2019 study, which included public input from a four hour event that took place on February 14. The study analyzed the current available parking within a 12-block area, with particular focus being placed on the lot at Broadway and 2nd Street which is city-owned.
The study reviewed how parking might be affected by the proposed City Block project, and also attempted to identify current parking needs and recommendations.
The city-owned lot, which is being developed by a private developer, would include a four and a half story hotel on Jefferson, and a three story residential and commercial complex along Broadway. Between the two would be a town square as well as 172 public parking spaces. The study also identified 560 total total spaces within the one block area of the project.
According to Nouri, there wouldn't be a need for more parking with this project, saying there is plenty of room for growth in the downtown area.
"When it comes to city block redevelopment, we are proposing that no action is required." Nouri continued, "When you see the numbers, there is a surplus of parking that's out there that could be used for additional growth downtown."
Out of the entire twelve block area, the study was reportedly able to identify 608 off-street public parking spaces, 541 off-street parking spaces with 'neighbor agreements', and 563 on-street and curbside parking spaces for a total of 1,712 spaces.
The study also looked into how many spaces were being utilized during weekdays and weekends in November and December that assume daily usage as well as their usage during special events. The study reportedly revealed that the average usage on a normal weekend and weekday is 22 percent.
The study also ventured into strategies to better manage the existing parking places in the downtown area, and planning for future growth. Some of those results included identifying and marking current on-street parking spaces and exploring the possibility of angled parking spots in certain areas, determine accessible parking spots, upgrading lighting and signs, securing spots in city-owned lots to be used by employees of downtown businesses, and evaluating the possible need for a parking garage in the future.
You can learn more about the parking study at the link below.
On the Net:
City of Paducah Parking Study
