City debates parking options

SANDPOINT — In the journey toward a bustling downtown, parking revisions are the next issue on city official’s plates.

The City Council met with Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and Downtown Sandpoint Business Association representatives Tuesday night to discuss options for improving downtown parking. Attendees noted that whether a lack of downtown parking was a legitimate or simply a perceived problem, it had a real impact on the number of downtown shoppers and diners.

“Definitely the biggest issues facing the DSBA right now are parking perceptions and problems,” DSBA vice president Chris Bessler said.

Much of the discussion centered around the city parking lot between Second and Third Avenue. Economic development consultant Mark Rivers said the lot gives officials plenty of options.

For instance, SURA could build a multi-level parking garage on one portion of the lot while making the other portion available to a private developer. That construction would be privately funded and subject to property taxes, thereby increasing revenue.

SURA is also set to take a more active role in the project than usual. In addition to funding any potential public developments like a parking garage or other improvements, board members said they’re prepared to tackle all aspects of the project.

“This would be quite different in that SURA would be managing the design and everything else,” SURA board member John Corn said.

However, meeting attendees pointed out that the simple presence of a parking garage might not solve the problem. They said parking along First Avenue in particular was problematic because downtown business employees filled all available spots straight away in the morning. Others move their car every two hours to avoid parking tickets rather than purchasing a parking pass. According to City Planner Jeremy Grimm, simply increasing the capacity of the downtown parking lot wasn’t sufficient.

“Studies have shown that to drive people into a parking garage — no pun intended — people need an incentive,” he said.

Council members agreed to look into the issue and return at the next meeting with options or possible solutions to downtown parking. Once they’ve researched the problem, gathered public input and established a clear path, they intend to work with SURA in moving forward.

Improved parking is yet another step toward the long-term goal of a revitalized downtown, a project that has long occupied city officials’ attention.

In addition to projects like the byway and the U.S. 2 “Curve” extension that will help the city reacquire its downtown streets from Idaho Transportation Department, city officials have launched initiatives like Sandpoint Forward to promote area businesses. Councilwoman Carrie Logan said she wants a trip downtown to feel like Saturday mornings at the farmer’s market.

“I’d like to replicate that feeling every day, 365 days a year,” she said. “Seeing people active, busy and coming and going — that’s what makes the downtown seem alive.”