SLT spending state money on parking study

By Kathryn Reed

South Lake Tahoe is spending more money on yet another study.

The nearly $45,000 for the parking study comes from state Community Development Block Grant and Planning & Technical Assistance Grant funds.

“The goal of the study is to develop parking solutions which could improve economic conditions in the community,” Nancy Kerry, the city’s Redevelopment & Housing manager, told Lake Tahoe News. “The idea behind these grants are to find solutions to barriers to economic development. For example, if parking problems are impediments to businesses and job retention (in areas like) Ski Run Boulevard/Harrison Avenue, etc., then what solutions would improve the situation that will help to grow the local businesses, make it easier for customers to access those businesses, thus bringing in new customers, growing their revenue and retaining jobs.”

Developers in the Lake Tahoe Basin are mandated to follow parking regulations set forth by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

The original theory was if less ground were covered with asphalt for parking, this would encourage people to use public transit (on a system that keeps changing its schedule), walk (on sidewalks that don’t exist) or ride their bikes (in traffic because bike lanes are sketchy).

The reality is locals and tourists like their cars and adequate parking is not available at many places. Ski Run Marina is a prime example of this. This is because instead allowing for the number of spaces to meet the needs of the center, the rules care more about vehicle miles traveled and not the reality of the consumer.

Although the money is coming from the state, it’s still taxpayer money. One has to wonder if a parking study is really needed. Why can’t the city, TRPA, business owners and consumers find the answer sooner and without expense?

The request for proposal (RFP) was sent out Jan. 6.