Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Jonathan Douglass, Assistant to the City Manager
CC:	Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
DATE:	December 26, 2007
RE:	Downtown Parking Proposal – New Hampshire Street Garage

The Mayor and City Manager recently met with Downtown Lawrence, Inc. (DLI) regarding downtown issues, including parking for employees of downtown businesses. DLI and City staff have discussed the possibility of allowing downtown employees to park on the top level of the New Hampshire Street parking garage, so they will be less likely to park on Massachusetts Street or in other prime customer parking locations.

Staff recommends providing free 10-hour parking on the top level of the New Hampshire Street garage. Our recent parking survey results indicate that these spaces are underutilized. From January through October 2007, that level of the garage averaged only 4% full, or about 6 out of 135 spaces.

No permits would be required to park on the top level of the garage. Parking control staff would ensure that no long-term parking (storage) of vehicles takes place. DLI would promote to downtown businesses the availability of the free parking, and encourage businesses to have their employees park in that location. There may be a slight revenue loss because some motorists may avoid the lower levels which require payment, so staff is recommending that this be examined after one year before making this a permanent payment change.

ACTION:      Approve free parking on the top level of the New Hampshire Street parking garage, if appropriate.