Walker Parking Consultants conducted a parking demand analysis along the West Avenue/Alton Road corridor, among other areas of the City. The analysis identified municipal parking occupancy greater than 85% within the general area of this proposed project.
The City owns Parking Lot No. P23, located at 1623 West Avenue. Currently, it is operated as a metered surface parking lot containing 31 parking spaces. The parking lot footprint is of sufficient dimensions to accommodate a multi-level parking garage. Assuming existing height (50 feet) and zoning requirements, it is estimated the garage may contain up to 238 parking spaces.
The Administration believes this location can serve as an Interceptor Garage as it is currently along the Alton / West Trolley route, the South Beach Local route, and the proposed South Beach trolley route. Moreover, the proposed light rail/modern streetcar route is recommended to run along Alton Road and past this location. An interceptor parking garage serves to reduce vehicular traffic volume by offering long term parking options facilitating the transition from automobile to more desirable mobility options, including transit (streetcar/trolley); bike sharing; transportation demand networks, etc. The garage will also support prior Commission direction to replace on-street parking with off-street parking, particularly along major thoroughfares, as a means to reduce traffic congestion as cars pull in and out of travel lanes. The removal of parking on Alton Road and as well as proposed parking reductions on West Avenue as part of the neighborhood improvement project is approximately 200 spaces.
This project estimated cost based on 238 spaces is approximately $8.3 million. This includes the construction requirements necessary to provide flexibility for conversion to other uses should parking demand decline in the future. The Parking Department’s Capital Budget includes available funding in the amount of $4,165,000 in FY 17 and $4,165,000 is programmed for FY 18.
Based on discussions with the Planning Department, the Administration recommends the elimination of ground floor retail to maximize parking on the site. Further, given the need for an intercept garage in proximity to the Venetian Causeway, the Administration recommends against including work force housing in this garage, in order to maximize parking. The City is planning to pursue workforce housing as part of the Collins Park site, and for the 2660 Collins Avenue lot.
The Administration is prepared to proceed with design of the subject garage, but is seeking direction from the City Commission on the following item: Should the City construct a pedestrian bridge to connect it to private development on Alton Road?
Crescent Heights is developing a retail center immediately to the east of the City owned parking lot at 1623 West Avenue. The retail development has its own parking and is NOT seeking to satisfy its parking requirement through the use of the City garage. However, the City garage could benefit from the construction of a pedestrian bridge to allow for direct access to Alton Road and close access to Lincoln Road. The Administration recommends the addition of a pedestrian bridge and is seeking authorization include it as 1) part of the design criteria and 2) execute and easement agreement for the connection of the bridge to the proposed retail structure. Time is of essence to allow the developer to incorporate the connection in their design.