As the town of Davidson continues its study of downtown parking this fall, it’s asking residents, business owners and people who work in town for their thoughts through an online survey. Parking consultants Rich & Associates have developed separate surveys (links below) to gauge parking demand and practices.
Three individual online surveys have been set up for business owners, employees and those who have ever parked in Davidson.
“Citizen participation in these surveys is crucial,” Economic Development Manager Kris Krider said in an announcement. “We need respondents to be as diverse and as numerous as possible so that we can be sure that we’re getting enough feedback to make informed decisions about how best to improve parking.”
Rich & Associates began conducting a study of traffic flow and the adequacy of parking in late October. The study’s kick-off began with a week-long visit during which the consultants gathered information on a number of issues, including the number of available parking spaces, the turnover and occupancy rates of those spaces, and the adequacy of area signage that directs drivers and pedestrians to parking areas, shopping, and dining. They also met with town board members, area residents, business owners and others in the community to explain the scope and nature of the project and to seek their input and perspective on parking in Davidson.
SURVEY LINKS
Business owners and managers survey –
Local employees survey – If you work here.
Residents and visitors survey – choose this one if you have ever parked in Davidson.
I spoke to Kris Krider with the town Economic Development office and have tried contacting a representative from the consulting company to find out how this information will be used.
Mr Krider told me that he’d be surprised if the consultants recommended some sort of paid parking scheme, but it was not ruled out.
With that in mind I would highly encourage taking the survey and indicating in the comments your preference for or against things like meters, permits, or in an extreme event – a publicly funded parking garage. The survey itself doesn’t actually ask about the respondent’s tolerance for paid parking, but depending on the results it could be used to support or refute that argument.
Again, revenue-generating parking may not be on the table when the consultants come back with their recommendations, but if you have an preference one way or the other, it’s best to make your opinion heard.
Related links regarding the parking deck:
Oct. 22, 2010, “No grants for I-77 lanes, downtown parking deck”
July 15, 2009, “Parking deck/office building proposed downtown”
Previous stories about downtown parking, under the “Parking” tag.