Comments on: City-DDA Parking Talks Gain Tempo

By: brad

brad — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:16:16 +0000

Did anyone notice the DDA is double counting revenue for the Library Lot in its 10-year plan? Below are the relevant numbers.

For FY11/12 (pg 4 of “10 year plan 2-24-10B.pdf which Mr. Morehouse emailed to me on 2-25-10)

Total Contract Revenue: $1.1m/year; price/contract: $140/month, so DDA expects 655 contracts/month.

Total Transient Revenue: $336k/year; price/hour: $1.10/hour, so DDA expects about 300,000 hours of parking. There are 22 spots left (677 total less 655 contracts), so the DDA expects each spot to be occupied every day for 38 hours/day.

Since this is impossible, there are three explanations. First, the DDA expects contract spots to be available during the day so that hourly patrons can use the spaces. Second, the listed $140 contract price isn’t accurate because it doesn’t include premium pricing. Last, the DDA’s accounting practices are unsound. I’ve asked the DDA for clarification, but I have yet to receive a reply.

To Vivienne, I completely agree that it’s impossible for Smith to separate her roles as DDA and Council members. Where some see a benefit, I see a conflict of interest.

By: Steve Bean

Steve Bean — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:03:09 +0000

@3: Thank you, Vivienne, for noting that. I’ve been wondering the same thing. Subtle distinctions are often the most important to make.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:24:33 +0000

CM Smith is a conscientious person but this article exemplifies a concern that I have had for some time regarding her dual roles. Council members have frequently served on the DDA board (though their heavy involvement dates to the reign of the current mayor) but usually they are first council members, then appointed to the DDA as part of those duties.

CM Smith was a long-time member of the DDA before being elected to Council and in this case is serving as a member of the DDA in the committee rather than as a councilmember. This may seem a subtle distinction, but in negotiations between two parties one assumes that the members on each side are truly representing the interests of the side they are negotiating on. Will CM Smith represent the interests of the DDA rather than those of the council (who are elected to represent their constituents) once this matter moves to Council?

By: Ruth Kraut

Ruth Kraut — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:51:38 +0000

I would love it if we used local businesses for things like the collection of parking tickets. I believe that Think Local First has thoroughly documented the benefits of keeping our money circulating in the local economy.

By: Tom Brandt

Tom Brandt — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:26:12 +0000

If parking regulations are an important part of a larger transportation system, then perhaps the AATA should manage the parking system and allow the DDA to concentrate on its core mission, which is (or should be) downtown development.