Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2009 11 12

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Downtown Louisville Framework Plan Unfortunately parking structures are a very expen- sive solution for a city of Louisville's size. There- fore, parking structures are not a quick and painless solution to solving a parking shortage. Other solu- tions less costly than parking structures involve ex- panded surface parking lots, alternative modes of transportation and development limitations. Perhaps a development transitional period would allow suf- ficient density to support greater bus service. A remote parting program was suggested as a means to save space in the core area by directing employee parking to outlying areas, freeing close -in parking for customers. One idea was to locate parking at or near downtown gateway points. There are several public policy options to help ad- dress parking in a small town downtown such as Louisville. Encouraging alternative means of trans- portation helps reduce parking demand. Programs that count parking space equivalents for providing bicycle racks are an alternative that can help to a limited, but cumulative, extent. Reducing the permitted density of development would have the most significant impact in reducing total demand for additional parking spaces. Creat- ing parking requirements could serve to limit build- ing square footage. Short -term management solu- tions may involve enforcement of time limits and an Eco -pass program for downtown employees. Long -term solutions may involve defining a parking district, building parking structure(s), developing remote parking lots and /or shuttle(s) for employees and utilizing downtown circulator or shuttle buses. However, in the short -term, steps should be taken to better utilize the existing public and private parking supply. A key strategy would be to develop additional sur- face lots, especially for employees, so long as the tra- ditional downtown character was not compromised. Certain surface parking lots should be planned in such a way that they could become multilevel struc- tures in the future if this becomes necessary and de- sirable. AIong with these options is a requirement that a parking district be established to collect and distribute monies in a fair and equitable manner. Design Standards From an urban design perspective, downtown park- ing should be consolidated into a limited number of lots and /or structures. Multiple parking lots disrupt the pedestrian streetscape and are generally a less efficient use of land. If parking structures are indeed the solution of choice to alleviate future downtown parking problems, the structure or structures should not dominate at the street level. An interesting and lively pedestrian streetscape should be preserved. Parking structures should include street level retail and /or be architec- turally designed to fit in with downtown character. Ideally one level would be constructed below grade, one at grade and two levels above grade for a total of four levels. This scale is most compatible from an urban design standpoint and is about the Limit of height that most individuals will use in a downtown area of this scale. Outlying surface parking lots should be designed with sufficient lighting, attractive landscaping and with strong pedestrian connections into the down- town area. All parking lots, whether public or pri- vate, should be buffered from the street, either by landscaping or with storefronts. Ideally, parking fa- cilities, lots and structures would be wrapped with retail space so as to enhance the pedestrian experi- ence as well as further animate downtown. In sum- mary, parking should be designed in such a way that it enhances the pedestrian and architectural charac- ter of downtown. Goals Manage the downtown parking supply to maxi- mize use of spaces. are Balance development density with a reasonable potential parking supply. Encourage the provision of additional public parking, such as through a cooperative effort between property owners, the business commu- nity and the City. Coordinate off-street parking in a manner that promotes maximum efficiency and ease of use.