City Council Minutes 2002 02 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville Special City Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 5 Mayer stated that there are assumptions that may not be true with respect to build-out. He stated that the assumption that more parking has to be provided to encourage commercial development could be argued that there is not enough developable square footage on the west side of the railroad tracks to support that. He stated that if the railway station is built there could be tremendous pressure for office development. Mayer stressed that the object is to try to avoid problems and voiced his belief that Council made a mistake in the ordinance by allowing private parking lots at 2.5 in the downtown area. He agreed with Hartronft that private parking should not be encouraged because it will not provide public parking. He stressed that there should be a differentiation between paid shared parking space and private parking spaces. Hartronft stated that, with respect to the amount of build-out, the percentage of private parking is very small. Sisk stressed the importance of resolving the issue and requested a discussion of fees. He suggested that the first two spaces be without cost, thereafter the parking be assessed a fee per parking spaces. Brown agreed and stressed the importance of following through and actually constructing parking spaces. Jeff Mattel, City Planner, suggested that the City consider parking meters or promotion of public transportation. Several members of Council voiced their objection to parking meters. Mayer stated that the City has done much to promote the use of public transportation. He noted that the City employees were given Ecco passes to use for transportation to and from work. When polled, only two employees actually used their Ecco passes. Van Pelt stated that financial savings incentives would encourage the use of public transportation. She noted that when parking becomes too expensive, people would use public transportation. Mayer stated that a paid parking program would cause more problems. Brown voiced his opinion that parking meters would not work in the downtown retail area. He addressed the issue of parking management system for all day parking. Davidson reviewed the projected capital project plan for the next five years and stated that there are not sufficient funds available to fund downtown parking. Sisk argued that the Downtown Business Association offered a plan, which does not necessarily have to be implemented now, but a number should be identified. 5