MONROE - The downtown parking ramp is needed, according to a preliminary report on the parking study.
David Burr and Annaka Norris of Rich and Associates reported on the parking study at an information meeting Wednesday at City Hall. The two, both project managers on the parking study, looked at the area encompassing 10th to 13th Streets and from 15th to 20th Avenues in Monroe. They said the need for the structure is apparent because if it were to be taken down without replacing the space, parking would become more difficult along the Square.
"If that structure goes away ... you're probably going to need to replace that parking space," Burr said to members of the Monroe Common Council and general public in the audience. "That facility is convenient to the Square. A lot of folks don't think they can do without that."
If the parking ramp were to be taken down without an alternative space for parking put in place, Burr said the number of parking spaces used on an average day could approach 85 percent of what's available, making it more difficult to park in the area.
Replacing the ramp would possibly require 20-year general obligation bonds, he said. Funding could create a structure sound enough to add on to in the future, but would be a $200,000 expense for 212 spaces. Along with the total, he said the smartest avenue for upkeep would be to budget $50 for each space per year in order to perform routine maintenance and repairs to the structure when needed.
A sticking point the study also found was the lack of turnover in the "core" spaces, or on the Square itself. Burr said 27 percent of the cars parked along the area are staying longer than two hours, which creates the perception of a lack of parking on the Square. He suggested a change in signage and expectations over time to help residents and tourists understand there's a two-hour time limit on the spaces.
The report was a preliminary look at parking needs for parking downtown and adjoining areas. Burr said the final report will be presented in about six weeks.
David Burr and Annaka Norris of Rich and Associates reported on the parking study at an information meeting Wednesday at City Hall. The two, both project managers on the parking study, looked at the area encompassing 10th to 13th Streets and from 15th to 20th Avenues in Monroe. They said the need for the structure is apparent because if it were to be taken down without replacing the space, parking would become more difficult along the Square.
"If that structure goes away ... you're probably going to need to replace that parking space," Burr said to members of the Monroe Common Council and general public in the audience. "That facility is convenient to the Square. A lot of folks don't think they can do without that."
If the parking ramp were to be taken down without an alternative space for parking put in place, Burr said the number of parking spaces used on an average day could approach 85 percent of what's available, making it more difficult to park in the area.
Replacing the ramp would possibly require 20-year general obligation bonds, he said. Funding could create a structure sound enough to add on to in the future, but would be a $200,000 expense for 212 spaces. Along with the total, he said the smartest avenue for upkeep would be to budget $50 for each space per year in order to perform routine maintenance and repairs to the structure when needed.
A sticking point the study also found was the lack of turnover in the "core" spaces, or on the Square itself. Burr said 27 percent of the cars parked along the area are staying longer than two hours, which creates the perception of a lack of parking on the Square. He suggested a change in signage and expectations over time to help residents and tourists understand there's a two-hour time limit on the spaces.
The report was a preliminary look at parking needs for parking downtown and adjoining areas. Burr said the final report will be presented in about six weeks.