Spaces for all

Joint parking venture with city benefits all

The never ending search for parking by students, faculty and city residence could be recognized as Ann Arbor's most-hated, most-participated-in pastime. The problem has become so apparent that the University and the city of Ann Arbor recently entered into a joint venture, agreeing to share the operating cost of the Forest Avenue-Willard Street parking structure once it is rebuilt. Construction is scheduled to finish by March of 2001. Such a measure is a smart one for the University because it begins to alleviate the problem of access to the South University/Central Campus area.

The selling point is that sharing the cost allows the University 32 percent of the structure's capacity, adding a total of 277 spaces for University use. The increase improves parking options for University employees. Providing more spaces for University employees keeps open non-University spots, allowing more room for students and city residents.

The parking crisis affects both academic and civic life. Rebuilding the structure benefits South University Avenue-area merchants and their customers and this in turn benefits the community as a whole. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority commissioned a study in 1997 to evaluate area-parking demand and found that on average, South University was at 102 percent of its parking capacity. This means that on average, every legal spot was filled with an additional 2 percent of cars parked illegally.

Results like this are a reality for consumers and residents who wish to do business on South University but find it inconvenient and almost impossible to find parking.

Despite the diversity and uniqueness of merchants in the South University area, consumers could be swayed to other shopping areas like Briarwood Mall because of its hassle-free, lots-of-parking alternative. A vibrant business environment means a better environment for students.

The expanded structure allows for about 400 additional spaces, permitting 590 non-University cars to park. A joint venture such as the one underway is smart for the University, as well as beneficial to business owners and consumers.

Many students, administators and city officials tend to forget that a sizable portion of the student body relies on automobiles to get to and from campus. This is especially true for graduate students, who often live farther away from Central Campus.

Hopefully, the Forest Avenue-Willard St. parking structure project will set a precedent for more joint ventures. Recent assaults near campus brought attention to unresolved issues that should be addressed by city and University alike. Parking has always been a problem in Ann Arbor, and the lack of it hurts both University students and local businesses. Ample parking will ensure the continued success of the city's inner core and be a welcome convenience for University faculty and students.

09-24-99