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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-09-17 parking study Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 ELECTED OFFICIALS: Report of the Joint Committees on Public Works Mark S.Sideris, and Economic Development& Planning Council President Meeting Date: August 27, 2019 Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., Vice President& The Joint Committees convened at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the Richard District C Councilor E. Mastrangelo Council Chambers. Present were Public Works members Vincent Caroline Bays Piccirilli, chair; and Anthony Palomba, vice chair; and Economic Development& Councilor At Large Planning members Lisa Feltner, vice chair; and Vincent Piccirilli, secretary. Kenneth Anthony J.Donato, Woodland, Economic Development& Planning chair and Public Works secretary was Councilor At Large absent. Staff present were Steven Magoon,Assistant Town Manager/Director of Community Development and Planning; Laura Wiener, Senior Transportation Planner; Councilor At Large Susan Falkoff, and Gideon Schreiber, Senior Planner. Present from Stantec Consulting Services Inc. l were Ralph DiNisco, Amelia Casey, and Mitul Ostwal. Also present were Councilors Anthony Palomba, Caroline Bays and Anthony Donato. Councilor At Large Angeline B.Kounelis, The purpose of the meeting was to review the draft Parking Management Plan and make District A Councilor recommendations. Background material is at www.watertown-ma.2ov/950/Parkin2 Lisa J.Feltner, District B Councilor Mr. Magoon gave an introduction, noting this study came about to assist in making a decision on the purchase of new parking meters, as well as the placeholder in the Capital Kenneth M.woodland,District D Councilor Improvement Program for a Watertown Square parking garage. Mr. DiNisco of Stantec gave a presentation on the study and its ten recommendations (Attachment A). He made some key points: • Parking is to support the activities that we want in the squares, and is not an end in itself. • Parking is not just about parking; it's part of the experience of getting where you want to go. • Parking systems should target a maximize capacity of 85% full for efficiency in finding a spot. • Pricing levels should be designed to allocate parking demand, not raise revenue. • The strategies are designed to take "friction" out of the process and improve the overall experience. • There is a clear preference from public input to use meters for on-street parking, not kiosks, but kiosks would be more efficient in the municipal lots. • With the growth of ridesharing services, vehicle trips are up but parking demand is relatively flat. • Adequate parking exists in Watertown Square at peak times, so there is no need for a new garage. 4 Action Item: Councilor Palomba made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, for the Town Council to endorse the ten recommendations in the Watertown Parking Management Plan and instruct the Administration to develop an implementation plan. Voted unanimously 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm. Report prepared by Vincent Piccirilli Attachment A: Parking Management Plan Executive Summary and Strategies July 2019 Page 1 of 1 TOWN OF WATERTOWN: PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN WATERTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN : FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS i•. l Y Y I ~Y *.1 i4 f . Jam+ t - -rt . Mohr t •zr¢ . ,- August 27th, 2019 • Study Goals and Process • Existing Conditions & Findings • Public Outreach Findings • Final Recommendations • Q&A 1 '� y ., eg•�I!' ally' 1 . ;!77 F 1 • ,.rye'+.. ...�"�,g�. ` ,� -k MEOW im AL wbmok. i � ■ PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN GOALS • Create a baseline understanding of parking demand • Manage existing parking better for various users, including customers, employees, and Square visitors • Support businesses and institutions • Reduce parking demand where possible • Encourage facilities that support all transportation modes • Creatively develop solutions that can be implemented and managed cost effectively Parking Parking Public Draft Final Report Inventory Utilization Outreach Strategies presentation Fall 2018 Winter 2018/2019 Spring/Summer 2019 _ 4� Off-Sheet Regulations Mer"d Parking.2-hr Ilmlit. 7crn-6pm.excluding Sundays&Holk$oys,$0,50Mr metered Parking.8-hr Ilmil. 7am-6gm,excPuding sundoys&Holidays.$aSojhr Metered Parking. I0-hr IMA. lam-bpm.exclutling Sundays&Hokduys.$0.50MF + Private Para"A.-A Y�*s Residenlial Parking I r _ Pftrmlt Parking Only.7cm-7pm,o luding Scturdcy&Sundayr Permit Porldng Only.No tune NrMs HandIC4p Unregulated Parking Library I� Emergency Vehicles OnPy Town Hall 1 r S \ 14 7. a 3A e 2 26 13 1 1 + f 6 s {o- tBf 67. 34 x 1 fir 3 f ' tip 60 f rt 2 t 61 w 11 20 5d 30 } . 4 7 67. 6 7 S Jr _ Watertown Savings Ban •• r. 36 AL Belmont On-Skeet Regulations Savings Bank — metered Parking. -hr time limit.Tarr►-bean excluding Sundays&Mafidcys.$0 — 2 Movr Perking.Unmetered. No doy IImUs — I Hour PGfking 70m-7pm.Unmelered. NO CIOy rrmiPS i .S. ? 10 — 1 Hour Parking-Urlrtletered. No Time or Day Limits • • • — Permit Parking Orly 7am-7pm-excluding Saturday&Sunday 01 PemWt Parking Ordy,No 1[ane Ifmlts 30 mins Town Hal Parking, Urrrnotercd, No day ffmlts 20 mins Town Hal or Llbrory PerkirQ Orly fCofn meter] Defoull lu"gneda 0 ]25 250 500 No Pa dng I Feel Parking Inventory: Watertown Square Public parking consists of all metered, time limited, _ unregulated, handicap, and Total • • pa municipal parking is 1 ..507 On -Street Parking SpacesPUBLIC 40 277 total 39�0 Off Parking PRIVATE Spaces total1 ,230 Private parking consists of all permit parking, and parking reserved for employees, residents, and patrons only Parking Utilization Findings : Watertown Square n II. LY a� �B uiLLZ o MUZE, ® ■OCCUPIED VACANT #o& 90% 878 600 � a ' _ � Boi �y ^ ° 7 e e e e && 620 880 844 \J \ #i 2 ms • i as ` \ � / / � • o* '*&*, o* - . 8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM , '4,, 4V £ ¥ � , `N* '000 # � �LK � .\ ± _ � _._._.�,_.�• � $ 5 � � % : N 1�001 m,LS T�OD ■ Edk c*141 . - \� Peal Te � (12 P M) e e e 40; O 12\ 0 0 Charles e � Fee � .. Parking Utilization Findings : Watertown Square Ak Public off-street parking: • Public parking spaces are Watertown Square Municipal Lot (Weekday) busy a I l week ■ OCCUPIED VACANT 100% 34 91 , 76 74 28 On-street spaces utilized at 60% 90% occupancy 80% 105 70% Off-street spaces utilized < 50% 60% 50% occupancy 40% 30% ' • Private, off-street parking is 20% 10% underutilized all week 0% 8 2PM 4PM 6P' Around 40% utilized all week Private off-street parking: (Weekday) ■ OCCUPIED 100% 90% 80% 70% 435 435 421 468 60% 644 50% 40% 30% 20% Immmm 10% 0% 10 8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM a Va•` je it a .,`• .,�a +fti ar��j� k��'t f`f ! • l�iw,at.'e♦�J i � . t: h ,.;.+e 1 . 4 f ,� .+Y f +�,�� �� R �3�, j .k ��t!~^ ?Y ���ej +� �t� t J�� �♦ ., j d ,;,' ��• i� '4lnr 4'n ,4.�'i ,�f'F i;•a. It•i.�+ ,�ty' j'+.ltia; !_ 4, ' AV '{ � � .,.r' ! 1'w' r f }v'1�,• '+ a.� "r... ' r ire .ti•+ J i+ +� ✓�'�a�V�.r •fi; ;'isf, 1 �V;./ie♦� { ate- , �.. '{•, � i .. _r 'S • • :- 1 � d • h- � $ 4 Z+ 3 10 Off- treef Regulations ly Mlelerud Parking,2-tr Imil,horn-6pm,mccluding Sur%days&I lofidays,$0.5U{hr # r y } M MUlercd Parking, I0-t it limit,Tari"r",kmukrdirsg Sundays R I tol;dom$0,5011 9 Frltresl�rP��hi��n +� r. . M f'crmlt I'arkln57 Only.No day Ilmlts Armenian Handicap 7 4 Cultural 10 lJnreulntarf Parkin r} i ASSOCIatIOn Under C onshv�tipn • C� • • 1 i On-Street Regulations * • - Mellerwi Pnrklnej,�-lr Pima firni1, YIIM-61sM,HXCILAM.�Sundays R Hnrdiry5•$0 5{1Jhr #1 S 7 - 1 Hour Porklrlu,Urimetered,No CIO}'IirrliN • �i • • � � rt ' 5 � - 1 How Pcrrking,7arn•7pm,Urimeler04,No dory J mtty s - - 30 Minute forking,Unmelamd,No day ImIls a - Privafal'arking ! '^ i 1 - Kesildonlial ftrWQ Only - k*gding Zano Hor,dicap �_ 0 130 260 520 - I�Fee� - Unregulaled,2-Wur rime Imll from lam-!pm[no mePun or sigrraye) Parking Inventory: Coolidge Square Public parking consists of all metered, time limited, _ unregulated, handicap, and Total • • pa municipal parking is • 2 On -Street Parking Spaces 641 total PRIVATE PUBLIC Off-Street Parking 45�0 55� Spaces 641 • • Private parking consists of all permit parking, and parking reserved for employees, residents, and patrons only Parking Utilization Findings : Coolidge Square Peak Weekday (12PM) r•�• 1 ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT •►`l� Too^i ✓�r��{40w{fir 4�,�•�{ t� . ,r•f•� 80% � 70% 94 f�r�Y�•+•risYJ �d 60% 9Lo ao �° k 50% ■ a ■a w 11$ �r' 40% ■ z 30% oN >u 9 • F 10� • 8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM LV4LAMfl ROI;n `\ rWell MCunrr �BBR�P$EEi - s®' Mun � ` MERRIFI ELO�kVF},:. • • x w4 Ag7 � ro ARTS ARH STREET�$ A •�p� f 7 i1 ffflg TERRAC Vlr�$O�T.Rp" f � �r Q Nichols ter. � `A � ��� • • F.�FhCIFfuTIY � � �{ i UNDERUTILIZED {dili Wn UTILIZED •r� O NE 1 NICHOLS AVENUE Ali lil il�l�l i��{i �i l�Y�l� 062.5125 250 375 500 14 to o+ Q ■ Feet Parking Utilization Findings : Coolidge Square AL On-street priced parking zone (Weekend) • Mt Auburn public on-street ■ OCCUPIED VACANT parking spaces are busy 100% 25 - - 90% - Over 60-80% full 80% 69 38 54 58 70% • Private, off-street parking has 60% 50% availability all week and 40% 30% never exceeds 40% full 20% 10% 0% 9AM Private off-street parking: (Weekend) ■OCCUPIED ■ VACANT 100% P 90% 80% 361 366 70°' 360 60% 410 419 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 6mmad 0 15 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM f � 1• 4 J '��' / s•y'A�—Y. � Y r 'R�� „ J II• * � f•� R -} i .� Arp- '+' `i J i*tom_• } +4 a Y +��' 1 y lho pt Ar- MI ��0 'tip f '* t♦I y .ice,rr`,! + ' . -,;1 �.��� ��� ��� �•• � •�~• Yam' 1 �* ,. 'i.� �^ _"' • - '~• pop Wdkk— ! -` •fir• ,., � .-�� �� r - Of -orp—BLIC UT r w CW _ _ -�•�it- �.'�4 . _- dW_ -`""1� �� •• 'mow. • _ Public Engagement Survey, November 6th,, 2018 Public Outreach Meeting, January 23rd & 24th, 2019 Draft Strategies Presentation, May 7t", 2019 Public Outreach Key Findings How do you frequently travel to WaterbDwn Parking Management Plan Coolidge Square? Welcorne to the Watertown Parking Management Plan Survey! drive alone in a personal car 7370 The Town of Watertown would like to hear from you! Residents, visitors, war I walk 1 87o guests,everyone! Please FII out the Watertown Square and/or Coolidge SgUa below to give us your feedback on parking in Watertown Square and CooIidg Other (please specify) 3� The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete and the answers you l I carpool and/or get dropped off ■ 27. be kept confidential, take the bus ■ 217o You will have the opportunity to take both surveys. Upon completion of your ride a bicycle 117, survey,you will have the option to choose to take the other survey or leave 1 1 take a taxi or a rideshare (like... 07o Do you want to take the parking survey for Watertown Square Oho 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Where do you park most frequently in Surveysolicitedresponses Watertown Square? Municipal lot behind CVS 647o TARErOUR10� PARKIN r • Library lot 20�0 PRIORITIES_ — IN wnrlxzowrr SGUARET 4 On-Street spaces along Main Street 97. yam,. da Other (please specify) M 47, i i �# Town Hall lot 117, •■.� k My employer's lot 1 117. _---.. Oho 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% • Everyone wants to park in the same parking areas closest to stores • Too many different/confusing regulations • Parking technology is outdated, creating frustration for users • Parking is underutilized during peak times — Overall parking system is only 50% full • Current pricing concentrates demand in key locations • More than half of parking spaces are privately owned and unavailable to the public, despite vacancy at peak times • Municipal lots are not well connected to storefronts • Watertown Square local business permit program provides cheap access to prime parking and sells out every quarter • Coolidge Square local business permit program is not well utilized IML IL ti►- M i;1 I�"'� '�;,Ilr II�1h �,�•' '1i;�,I' ���','�. ,,���i '' - _ - - a•... _► . _ i A ' 1 1 . Upgrade Parking Payment Technology 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability 3. Consider Re-introducing Parking in Key Areas (off-peak) 4. Strongly Identify Municipal Parking Lots by Branding & Wayfinding 5. Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots 6. Improve Wayfinding and Signage 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off-street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities 8. Re-Direct Employee Parking Demand 9. Reduce Overall Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non-Vehicle Modes 10. Adjust Parking & Zoning Standards to Encourage Investment in the Squares 1 . Upgrade Parking Payment Technology • Existing technology is not user-friendly • Current meters only take coins • • Permit program is not linked with parking technology EXISTING METERS Most of the public stated in the open house that this system is outdated - f M .lt 22 1 . Upgrade Parking Payment Technology AUTOMATIC LICENSE • Install smart meters • • PLATE READER - Still accept coins - Take credit/debit cards - Implement pay-by-phone u zaoy - x auuzihv- • Use License Plate Recognition g � (LPR) for enforcement h • NEW METERS • ytil �� I 1 1 . Upgrade Parking Payment Technology • Increases payment options to make parking easier • Potentially increases meter payment compliance — 46% of all 2017 parking ticket violations were meter violations • Integration of smart meters and pay-by-phone data has the ability to give the Town real-time and historical utilization data • Using a Pay-by-Phone application will increase flexibility and efficiency • License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology allows permit holders to use license plates instead of dashboard placards 24 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability A _ • Existing parking regulations are confusing • Current pricing does not spread parking demand • • Time limits are not business or customer friendly 63% of Watertown Square survey respondents would prefer to park once and walk or bike between destinations • There is a parking crunch in valuable convenient spaces Parking in Watertown ""�°F° td� Square congested on Mt • s ■■ ■ ��� - Auburn Street and 1' r 4F Watertown Square J ' Municipal Lot WATERTOWN SQUARE 25 PEAK WEEKDAY (12PM) `, 4 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability • Create tiered parking zones in Watertown S quare Existing Priced Parking Match demand and increase Zone 1 availability in key areas tone 2 Zone 3 �� 2,8,dr t4—llo-ur lim ils / � Ir ' .Or 1 f` $$ A _ f 4 ? ., � ► •• 4 ;tea 3—� rFr��~4_ ` ti On-SfrCcl Requlal-ono • DI'.St,eer9egulokloni EXISTING PRICED ZONES PROPOSED PRICED ZONES 26 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability • Create tiered parking zones in Coolidge Existing Priced Parking Square Zone 1 — +60% of survey respondents are willing to park further away to save money Zone 2 - Both Squares should provide the opportunity to Zone 3 park for less I. Prlced Parting 2one 60.5ftour,2-hour lilt r + ', Y 1 i � On-Street Regulatf4n ,., i cIff- Street Regulodion3 WlroyPrn, �.� I • f Q� ., 4�_ EXISTING PRICED ZONES PROPOSED PRICED ZONES 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability On-Street Regulations — Metered Parking.24r lime limit,7om-6pm excluding Sundays&Holidays,$0.501hr • Remove time limits from priced — 2 Hour Parking, Unmetered; No day limiis 1 Hour Parking Jam-7pm,Unmeiered,No day imils parking — 1 Hour Parking,U nmetered, No Time or pay Urnit5 --- Permit Parking Only.7om-7pm,excluding Saturday&Sunday Use price to manage demand Permit Parking Only,No lime limits 30 mins Town Hall Parking,IJnmetered. No day Ilmlis • Re-categorize unregulated on- Unreguloled, 2-hour lime umil from 7cm-7pm [no meters of signaye) street parking as "4-hour" time iiururmiiu limit — Allow for longer visits to the Squares • On-Street Regulations . Metered Parking,2-hr time Ilmil. Tarn•dpm excluding Sunday3&Hobdays,$01-1*lht 4- h ov j FAQW FoWng, Unmeterea,Nodoyiimits Off- #reet Re ula#ions time lirrul - Metered Parking, 2-hr Ilmit. lam r darn, excluding Sundays&Holidays,$0-501h - Metered Parkin,8-hr 11m1t. lam-dam.excluding Sundays&Holidays.$0-Wh Metered f°aridna. I0-hr Ilmil, Torn-dprn,excluding Sundays S 1­I4udovs.SO,501 • a= Private Forking• RSidanligl Porking _ Permit PaMng Only, Tara-7pm,excluding Saturday&Sunday • tim Permit Parking Only, No time limits Handicap Unregulated Parking I i m its Ennergency VehlcleS Only ?_ 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability WATERTOWN SQUARE MUNICIPAL LOT 2-HR TIME LIMIT (WEEKEND) • Proposed changes to priced streets ■OCCUPIED 100% 32 31 ao i 44 w, - � so ' C s 20 0% r. 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM �, ��� �p1Q�� ■ � r��, T 4� tS' 4'�'Y 414 e 1 � C t� N LFI-WCILWLY • i;';. �,.. UTILIZED UTILIZED ■ NEI �F- ■ er VV ♦ ,p F �CfkP1!¢s River � �'�.�` 1 C:Ct nQ Weekend Peak Utilization - 11 AM _ L7 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability PUBLIC ON-STREET (WEEKEND) • Increase prices/begin pricing in ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT "core" parking zones that are 100% consistently fairly full 80% 60% • — Reduce parking pressure in prime 40% - locations 20% • 0% • Enhance enforcement in new 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM zones �. { Zone Price i {f $$ All Metered Parking ;}6 • (Current Price) $0.50/hr Zone i (Proposed Price) $1 .00/hr Zoned { (Proposed Price) $0.50/hr Zone 3 ' (Proposed Price) Free Weekend Peak Utilization - 11 AM 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability A ON-STREET PRICED PARKING • Increase prices/begin ■OCCUPIED .VACANT 25 pricing in "core" parking 10 �— so r 54 zones that are consistently 60% • fairly full _ _ 40% ` -� zoi — Reduce parking pressure in Y °% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM prime locations • Enhance enforcement in new zones Zone Price All Metered Parking 5 _ $0.50/hr (Current Price) i i Zone 1 � $1 .00/hr ._ (Proposed Price) . • lone 1 $0.50/hr `.` (Proposed Price) ' . ' - Zone 3 ���--_-._--__,._, (Proposed Price) Free �Neekend Peak Utilizafto-;11 AM V6 'F*H 31 2. Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability • Establish a baseline parking availability target through tiered parking zones • Monitor parking demand over • time AD / COOLIDGE SQUARE WATERTOWN SQUARE ON-STREET PRICED PARKING MUNICIPAL LOT 2-HR TIME (WEEKEND) LIMIT (WEEKEND) ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT ■OCCUPIED VACANT 100% 25 100% F 17 37 4 , 31 • popular 80'� 80% 60% 60% places to park 40 i 40% 1 1 1 • 1 20% • 20% • • 0% 0% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9AM11AMlPM 3PM 5PM 7PM 32 2 . Price & Regulate to Manage Parking Demand and Create Availability im • Matching price to demand will create availability in key locations while incentivizing the use of underutilized, less convenient parking • Using price, not time limits, allows visitors to the Squares to stay as long as they want and are willing to pay • Increased meter revenue can be used for improvements such as new sidewalks and pedestrian lighting, ultimately making more remote parking feel closer • Improves ADA accessibility by maintaining availability in key locations • Setting a target and monitoring utilization allows the price to be adjusted as demand fluctuates with new development, travel patterns, pricing, etc. 33 3. Consider Re - introducing Parking in Key Areas (off- peak) • Customers are highly influenced by proximity to destination • Mt Auburn Street and Main Street lack on-street parking • Current on-street parking is busy in prime locations PUBLIC ON-STREET (WEEKEND) ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT 100% 71 - • 90% L 8U% 87 '0% 149 142 60 50 - 40% , 30% • 20 • 10% 0% 9AM 11AM 1 3. Consider Re - introducing Parking in Key Areas (off- peak) PUBLIC ON-STREET (WEEKEND) • Add parking to Mt Auburn Street and ■OCCUPIED _I VACANT Main Street 100% 71 92 87 Potential to add approximately 65 spaces ao% 149 142 00% 40% 0% 9AM 1AM 1PM 3PfN 5PM 7PM 00, �•e r�, sir. k?� {J + / e` rJN GILh�ti 1. a r ds Mt Auburn St businesses c• •enefit from more 1104 on-street parking 9d ,i?r �� 0 125: 250 "00 V1 eekend Peak Utilization - 11 AM ' �' 3. Consider Re - introducing Parking in Key Areas (off- peak) • Increases convenient parking supply • Reduces parking crunch in existing popular parking spaces • Creates parking directly in front of existing stores • Parking adds protection for pedestrians and adds to the retail character of these streets • • Offsets the demand for parking in these spaces and puts customers directly in front of stores 36 4. Strongly Identify Municipal Parking Lots by Branding & Wayfinding • Municipal lots are not easily visible - Almost 30% of respondents are not aware that Coolidge Square has public parking Directional signage is inconsistent • There are no official, standardized signs or other identifiers for each public lot ■OCCUPIED VACANT ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT 100°% F40% 8°�� 73 105 � 1 5 10 14 60% ,. ao% : . 0% 0% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM tiffkt r f Watertown Square Municipal Lot Wells Avenue Municipal Lot (weekend utilization data) (weekend utilization data) . Strongly Identify Municipal Parking Lots by Branding & Wayfinding • Establish official names for municipal parking lots Wells Avenue • Municipal Lot Watertown ` Library Lot ' Y 1 Nichols Avenue y Municipal Lot Watertown . _ • Square • Municipal Lot j 21 :. .::319M 4 WATERTOWN SQUARE COOLIDGE SQUARE Strongly Identify Municipal Parking Lots by Branding & Wayfinding Invest in standardized public H parking • • • - o Yo4r • names p�rk'n9 Sp�aty H O Directions • • walking distances �H 5F Ho 0 i N u canalside 1 W '� — TKey6ank Ali t] 1 J u+ _ 7� -, Cnntar t�laYal Park-y •��+ Canalside-1 � tiro a �4y a T�� - 233 Q T Key6ank Naval Park 3 � ur Center 1J t m� }SAe1fIL Oe uper - sIo. ui ine II hilt cademy_ C- +' v •� � ter. ;,.1�,,�j� _ den` center ern ' _ ift�G,reene.& e - --� pocfor' a .i ne Garage p}f �y , • r Dyer Li u• •s v Entrance 4 Y LCto a .SaloiirSabnna ri 1 a " dr LIr eaI (�■ '"� I P king 5ID tY O ''p+°. .°,• 1 _ C pot _ ref - t•Italian Qesi +r $slam W , BACK Aso 4 ZO RLI' S20 STEP 0 r I7nprabable: ' •*,- »° 5unshine Ma ■a„ ' . vs .N I Yo' rage Joe s Bank of {` r . uburn GovernMent center f _ ro44. Garage ., , . 00 Entrance f r r4 L( Catizens'.Ban :; pa kir Heat 0 . .f spot ge 5 pareIon ' . Hfs slay H�Mf IGgR . • &BACK ix1 iLJ� H S200 Whale of-RW5-9 STEPS e Avg Wel Ave Wells Ave INeiEs ve , 1 ! SwIMMMF�iL� center Stone Auto BnC11- 7 � Fr r.F w�r"r.r� Govern _ - Garage ON S ni ��t � Entrance I _ . � 0 : r" s N Don ot ue's Bar!nd grill Se sa#iaial Foo s Y ' . * Las BodegaIranian Association . of Bostonds - - Hairenik Asso o c { i O *: iChos AYE! NIChols AVe Nichols Av Is e N€ Ols �lichols'Ave Nicho AvchAve LU Aft Q Nichols Ave I I l� l _� '� r � r TJ } # ■�j H Aglto Repair 4. Strongly Identify Municipal Parking Lots by Branding & Wayfinding • Establishing formal names acts as a wayfinding tool for parkers to find information on municipal parking • Enhancing the visibility of these lots will encourage long-term parkers to use them, leaving on-street parking for short-term visitors such as customers • Formal names allow for common identification and can be plugged into online wayfinding tools 43 5 . Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots • Municipal lots lack sidewalks and pedestrian paths • Municipal lots do not have bicycle parking or accommodations • • Municipal lots are not well lit • Pedestrian paths in Municipal Lots do not connect to commercial hubs • Wells Avenue Lot is difficult to access due to one-way streets • J S f ti Watertown Square Municipal Lot Wells Avenue Municipal Lot 44 q p . Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots • Improve pedestrian paths, bicycle facilities, and lighting in Municipal Lots • Integrate the Community Path with the 111111111 = New • - • • Watertown Square Municipal Lot upgrades 111111111 = Pedestrian RAISED CROSSWALK ALI -- PROPOSED 1 ' SHARED USE PATH ''IN A. • LNG ' PHA J v '. , .k 45 . Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots • Connect the Wells Avenue Municipal Lot to Coolidge Square with sidewalks and signage `4 Of IP r • l6 J � _ T L ' t r ; t ` TA_ b Old Burying -110 F Place .y for Mt Auburn Grill .f . Ui �1 f Citizens:Bank • r�I •`t Till oolidge Square a 7 > > y� H r (, Whale ofil Wash Wells Ave Weds Ave: Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots r �+ Improve pedestrian paths., bicycle facilities, and lighting in Municipal • ' # w 'i Oonohue's Bar and'Grill L4 " Sensational Foods r Assoc ACEC LxBooega Iranian Assoc�atior Tatin.House ' r of Boston S Taps C1earjers &D Hairenik Assoo:a con 4" 4 jL Or �{ ►� Ave� NiCflols Ave — TJichols Ave Nichols Ave Nichols Ave Nichols Ave Nichols Ave; Now. LU VjFWZ O lr �,� now t. 14 tia = Raised crosswalk Q �{ ' � = New sidewalk r CAN HI Auto Pepair � •F 1 �) �I * - r �.ii w �F - - 5 . Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades to Municipal Parking Lots • Infrastructure improvements in municipal parking will make it more comfortable and easy for people to park in these lots, opening up parking spaces in current prime locations such as Mt Auburn Street in Coolidge Square for customers • Improving linkages for people walking to municipal lots helps walking distances feel shorter • Providing bicycle parking, particularly secure, long-term parking, helps to encourage people to ride their bikes to the squares instead of drive, thus freeing up parking • Two-way streets reduce circuitous driving and "circling," making it easier to reach a destination such as the Wells Avenue lot • Adding clear, distinct pedestrian paths/sidewalks in municipal lots improves safety, reduces conflicts, and directs pedestrians to the business district 49 6 . Improve Wayfinding and Signage • Drivers are unaware of less-used parking locations • There is no easy way to walk between lots and destinations • • Prime parking areas are overwhelming for drivers - 55% of Coolidge Square drivers say they have left because they were unable to find parking • Wells Avenue Municipal Lot is difficult to access from Mt. Auburn Street • • 50 6 . Improve Wayfinding and Signage • Install standardized public parking signs that are . , directional and provide • estimated walking distances 'PIS SIGN and times S20 STEPS -1ANNow low w y Iriuw+Iw 6 . Improve Wayfinding and Signage • Publish a user-friendly parking map on the Town website • - Delineate parking locations and ��lQ • regulations in a public-friendly ar , N format _ mil. �lt tlV m o! Tom" = Face Live c,rd ous. yi k`7�Painting Music � . . rM OW 'rr M ��w., Per ParWnp r.11R '040 ID O ■ r P.ilana�n�„d �rlsuny lam.. I ILIEM P+Yfun4n - Wlal�rwn Fuld �T -'I q Few p.rWna O - _� -P.rk lar. ` pi7 Elulii[Y.Y[Y — _ Y— ■.r j�}7[harq,3eunn pgGd04SY • . . L�!Ju <A\ F Lr1l�w...3i.Mi LJ41 re a�+w�a r r� 40 . Improve Wayfinding and e e e - • Add signs to direct drivers e underutilized lots and on-street spaces •� "Intercept" e e e - will direct people to parking - e - and cut down on � trafficSquare •� Work with private landowners to - � create e e e e - e signage. m � a , _ � �� �/ • #± � ■ ei _ i . ° m 125 � � � \ .. . �. ' �\ % �•_\_w �� Example: e - ■ e e - 53 6 . Improve Wayfinding and Signage • Wayfinding signage encourages people to use parking that meets their needs, such as helping long-term parkers find remote lots. This will free up "core" parking for customers / visitors • Helps Square visitors return to their vehicles • A parking map describes available parking resources and helps visitors easily find the right parking. Informative labeling on meters/parking technology also provides guidance to those visiting the Squares • Intercepts vehicle traffic before it reaches core areas in both Squares. This type of signage will direct people to parking resources that are less easy to find (i.e. Wells Lot) and cuts down on traffic in the Square • The Town can offer standardized signage to private landowners as a voluntary program, who otherwise may not be able to place signs on the sidewalk or public way 54 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off- street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities • Private parking is underutilized during peak hours • Many private lots are empty at the same time that restaurants are at • peak demand • There are few incentives to share parking • There is no seamless shared parking program • • 55 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off- street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities PUBLIC ON-STREET • Identify opportunities for shared parking in ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT underutilized private lots 100% ao • Pursue shared parking agreements with private owners 60% - Consider a pilot project to open private parking for public 40% ' 20% • , 1 • • use °% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM PUBLIC OFF-STREET Vacant private lots ■OCCUPIED VACANT adjacent to highly 100% 66 utilized public parking • 80 60% f 6ft a0% dr - 20% 0% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM PRIVATE OFF-STREET ■OCCUPIED VACANT 80% 60% P632 600 648 681 735 742 Weekend Peak Utilization - I IAM " ' '� ° 40% 20% K EMEMn 0% 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off- street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities Al IONO. TRMEET PRI ED PARKIN • Identify opportunities for shared parking in ■25 PIED ■VACANT underutilized private lots 180% 6 41 • Pursue shared parking agreements 60% 40% - Consider a pilot project to open private parking for 20% • public use 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM r PUBLIC OFF-STREET ■OCCUPIED Vacant private lots adjacent to highly r IV utilized public parking , 80'° 46 29 so% 59 55 53 57 x 40% - 20% 0% ZZ X 1 ; 9,' " 1AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM 0 tea " PRIVATE OFF-STREET ti ■OCCUPIED VACANT i ` 100% � 80% 60% 419 379 384 429 437 378 Weekend Peak _ 40% Utilization - 11 AM � � �"�-"�-"`"� ' - j cers7s Aso a7s Swr 0% L. ��F"� 9AM 11AM 1PM 3PM 5PM 7PM L 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off- street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities PARKING UID Provide public incentives for private °P m ;7 ,w lot owners to encourage sharing, such Bul as: e.m Punt a�F1,,. Snow clearance "UOUC rApK1tir, • 1 ,w .n .a ar.wK. - Shared metered revenue U ,. ;ANn�K 4•I4M,n�., - - Signage 4pn ban • Keep sample agreements on file atP *N6AGRF Town hall K 3 x4^io/ °�o�a laa Ty�y F su c a D � nroar�47410 sT'1c�m�„n6 � lsar�R s;.cc30e 'ea'MdL ��eaya�n / aa[, ar hin t7:�D" 7!P<C aka�C • a.ETA( ,+un " e�11e '`Yryym 'l6 r+aa wo Cha 'Sk �pC d�VkS +,,st n �yn a ye any xx s+ayt°'Mx. �a'ba'eryn/ems $J °an,�ols�C stz /�i�„re spce�.9oaR d MOghg� °°` o�grwG°fo �e�nte/rn>an egfaar °l+•TB,rsMWp�gns a n T t6'{'a r 'fin ttl{or �C y,eutbm.. ally, Qt l�,y/ ns A �Xg 4- 'reds y Vr a'Vtw r�'#de �0e/�6c�n�°n�gemta�y ym yea s wTphBseae� y n"�,q{e/fge�+bsanynd +1`'6/ss Max a /cy�°''Trap • >> �6 ane C4+fd�/`e d `5 ,veaandym #17 G,r4 STA 8Aa r�_t�i '�'ST e�7a r M 6aff"a/ De7an a�-4 ae u,y,"a°"� " Gx'v uv>xes� tiTB da $sdsryg�aa an a a�� ity��aev� it,s atya Mda by Y an en f srpt ' ?a�° !"ZZ, - A,(y„ Xn/birya tied 'h!a{ 9ra renny�,a•,ehn %laa�'anu Irn y''� �.�n .-• -'ems <gyad �s�l'vefyd,,,,._ qa 99�kyrTag6t m 'I s nti 58 ti"' 7. Work with Owners of Privately Owned Off- street Lots for Potential Shared Parking Opportunities • Creating more flexible and available off-street parking in Coolidge Square will significantly alleviate the lack of available on-street parking on Mt Auburn Street, especially during peak hours • Increases the public parking inventory without adding costs or using more land • Gives the public access to underutilized parking lots available during peak times (midday weekdays and weekends) such as: - Watertown Square: Dunkin Donuts/Belmont Savings Bank, Santander Bank, and Watertown Savings Banks (off of Pleasant Street and Summer Street) - Coolidge Square: Hellenic Cultural Center, CVS, Citizen's Bank, Watertown Savings Bank, Nichols Avenue spaces 59 8 . Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand • Employees park all day in prime locations, closest to storefronts • Employee permits are well utilized in Watertown Square, but underutilized in Coolidge Square • • Permit programs are not linked with parking payment system and regulations and therefore difficult to enforce • Vacant private parking is not open to employees of other businesses - 68% of Coolidge Square employees do not have designated parking spaces • • 60 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand JA • Designate employee parking zones Designated parking areas will potentially open up prime parking spaces in front of storefronts for Square visitors and customers EMPLOYEE PARKING � � }. 'r' •r y\ t S ONLY WATERTOWN SQUARE COOLIDGE SQUARE 61 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand PUBLIC ON-STREET • Consider shared parking agreements in underutilized • private lots for employees holding a permit 100% 80% or 4 108 88 04 130 14 60% 40% 20% I • 0% 8AM 10AM12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM I � PUBLIC OFF-STREET I h ■OCCUPIED % ! 100% 9 % ! 80% 1127 % 1 T 60% , 40% I .,r 0% ` 8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM . PRIVATE OFF-STREET t }} fr • ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT • �• r.� �` 100% 80'° 454 451 438 488 60% 583 667 • 1 40% I I I • • 0 123 .2543 500 20% I I • • I • Weekday Peak Utilization - 12PM `°`" 0% __ • : _ 8AM 10AM 12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM 62 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand ON-STREET PRICED PARKING ■OCCUPIEC VACANT • Consider shared parking agreements in underutilized private lots for employees holding a permit 80,° 90 58 67 82 87 60% 40% 0% 02 8AM 10AM12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM r = PUBLIC OFF-STREET ,k ■OCCUPIED ■VACANT r • 100% s 80% f x ti 60% j + r 1 ! l � ao% - � i 20% f 1 _ + 0% 8AM 10AM12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM PRIVATE OFF-STREET 1 ■OCCUPIED �� pp too°i w 80°/ Weekday Peak r + 60°, 393 336 317 318 382 453 , Utilization - 12PM °6y } '�° '°d.y� a°°' J6. 20%0% M1,19 8AM 10AM12PM 2PM 4PM 6PM 8. Re - Direct Em • • - - Parking Demand Promote Local Business Permits in Coolidge Square - Direct Coolidge Square employee parking to the Nichols Avenue parking r _ O permitsto License • - Recognition (LPR) system Only 20� of the Coolidge Square Local Business Permits have been �, purchased over the last three years '. _ ' ' � AW O R �, niE1LAl#[EL6I.V�N 68� of Coolidge Square said they do no have designated � parking � O 64 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand • Increase the number of Watertown Square Municipal Lot Local Business Permits Link permits to License Plate Recognition (LPR) • system No, I do not have a 87 X parking permit 0jol] Yes, I have a senior 0970 • parking permit - Town issues -0 Local Business - - eveuarter ry Yes, I have an employee parking permit 13% • Yes, I have a business parking permit I 1 65 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand Improve lighting and walking conditions to make remote lots more attractive • ew sidewalk Pedestrian path Raised crosswalk t �NAibELo CR0S.`. PROPOSED 1015HAREL) MAW i• USE PATH / 4 6 r � � AFY PAR G • FL ...��A► - i - - WATERTOWN SQUARE NICHOLS AVE MUNICIPAL LOT MUNICIPAL LOT 66 66 8. Re - Direct Employee Parking Demand • Creating designated parking areas increases the availability of prime parking • Increasing the number of Local Business permits in Watertown Square will give more employees the opportunity to purchase a permit and park in designated areas • Reduces the parking pressure on Mt Auburn Street in Coolidge Square • Directs Coolidge Square employee parking to available parking spaces • along Nichols Avenue • Private lot owners may be more willing to share their parking with a limited group (i.e. local employees, or local employees who hold a permit) • Linking local business, municipal employee, and senior permits to the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system will increase the Town's ability to enforce regulations and understand trends 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • People on bikes do not have adequate infrastructure to park their bikes • The current transit system feels unreliable to riders • Off-street parking facilities are disconnected from storefronts • • 68 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Plan for more bicycle parking .. near businesses and commercial hubs ' r I s -_77= - 1 -A _ _ 2 .. - 'ti�.i fr• J } t t. 69 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Promote community multi-use paths with wayfinding signage Tr.. - r. y �. � - r _ !.f � yw, ld•.T - '.r,'i �•mil. r �R' _ v "f�� - - .. '•i' '`,�` -'c1 3 _3/ a ,V�'4" j r # yr"+ '=�� ' �M L.•:9Mir."K FALWTV s .��+ f. •�• F.NAh�_sF K;}AtiYl4X' i• ..` y - �` '' y - c • � 116E P17t F PR P45Eo 10 P •`�: USE PATH ` n GI<;n a wm- _r,l ' ' PA7K *° . f,. F00a t. U�GR Pr7. PARKV, TOTAL ice + t I ►+ '•i niOAE►61+t1�FAW- a 11 wan�tl�aH� r •'j ..p PA5IFIEEk[i I�L4RI411R - r4h,4r` _ ♦ .• 1 "sF E IL PROPOSED SLDrW LLk RAFT- F{0R AW Preferred Long Term Alternative 70 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Work with the Bike & Pedestrian Committee to plan for more bicycle infrastructure Street markings such as sharrows, More parking 5870 dedicated bike lanes, especially in � Improvements to the walking Coolidae Squares environment 547o Better parking meters/technology 5170 (eX ['rarfif r-nrrfc Pnv by nhr%na nnnl More bicycle infrastructure (ex. 57 c ti Racks, bike lanes) �.. Lighting 0 More signage 18 J — Better parking enforcement 1570 Parking payment kiosks instead of meters 1370 V. More bikeshare (services providing bicycles for shared use on a short-...= 7% Increase carshare area (loading 67o areas or Uber/Lyft drop-off locations) - 07o 1 07o 20% 307o 40% 5007"o 60% 707. 71 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Continue to improve transit access Bus/ei E ONLY LANES and operations, such as: .. %I — Adding bus shelters and priority bus lanes • � diteF yirldllr;� buses and blW% drhmn Fnw ! � lid antar"bush rr�r.xy.� ���LI'i WATERTOWNhlk+lone[a tmk* _ Tho husf tHke Cam! c nnut he _ used as a Mo Ihu d mp- # •sr # , &iving lone. {�f 0 yl khe bUSf I ® I I bam Lane. k I �� After F,rldln • � 4Th M.L RI EG bhLSlS End blav deft Mrrs magerlterThe w bus/bUkr14nr W �; ; - parallel park QUEUEJUMP BUS LANE� s-- i ��■ ihauld'dlpe } •� " � �helane' ITT rya �--' ar5d Tide al■ �' l na ,� €umlortr4l■ I 1 1 iperd. Jr- T�4TYryi�W1 � � of�. t er,d � 3�55r�}il 72 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Identify rideshare drop-off areas (i.e. Uber/Lyft) • Promote transit and carshare as alternate modes of transportation to #11 P+4k1CIHfi. destinations to decrease parking TItU demand ' yOW& - - - e 400, nnFanr. LIA • 1�. ��Sri a ` JA#l�'5JE KH S'�REU WATERTOWN SQUARE COOLIDGE SQUARE 73 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes Invest in additional crosswalks • • � pedestrian infrastructure between parking lots 0 • • storesto enhance T� walkability • • safety both Squares i provement _.,,� � • r CALIF-bRN1A STREET k T y i - .f ti: WA1@�T�w�SiiLEEZ a 44+ , Example: Watertown Square H 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes • Invest in additional crosswalks and pedestrian infrastructure between parking lots and stores to enhance walkability and safety in both Squares Adding sidewalks and pedestrian paths in the Wells Avenue Municipal Lot would better connect parking facilities to storefronts along Mt Auburn Street 4 � • y 6 ;• 4 / " r y MT v Auburn w WS, IL �. a • .. .a rA a 75 Weils Ave A 9. Reduce Parking Demand by Enhancing Access for Non - Driving Modes AN • Improving access by bicycles, transit, and walking will decrease demand for and reliance on private vehicle parking • Modes such as transit, rideshare, carshare, walking, and biking require less parking while providing access for more people • Enhanced safety improvements for people walking will decrease overall vehicle trips as well as promoting a "park once" environment, all of which helps decrease parking demand 76 10. Adjust Parking & Zoning Standards to Encourage Investment in the Squares • Parking requirements are a barrier to new businesses locating in the commercial areas • • Zoning requires that valuable commercial land be devoted to parking, even though there are many vacant parking spaces even at peak times • Zoning requirements for shared parking discourage its use • Parking funds are not currently reinvested into the commercial areas • • 77 10. Adjust Parking & Zoning Standards to Encourage Investment in the Squares • Reduce or eliminate parking requirements • Allow payment in lieu of • providing parking r 4 'I k 25SgVare leaf kiwi V F— - 72 f Certain • • uses in Watertownrequire more parking • • • • standards, which requires developers to provide more parking than is necessary • 200 78 10. Adjust Parking & Zoning Standards to Encourage Investment in the Squares AL im ARLINGTON CENTER • Create a Parking Benefit District BUSINESS OWNERS (PBD) Am UIL_ a i - Increasing parking prices will increase revenue • Additional funds can support: �°� �� �°�'������ NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS - Improved crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting etc. from parking meter Income - Wayfinding and signage � Wednesday March 1st at 8:30 am - Additional multimodal improvements (bicycle Regent Underground,7 Medford Street amenities) RSVP to acarter@town_arfington.ma.us • Establish a mechanism to: TAKE THE ONLINE SURVEY: - Regularly review regulations SURVEYFI0NKEY.C4M/R/GVPZXF5 - Monitor parking changes Save the date for the community meeting March 30th at 6pm more parking than the ITE national Certain land uses in Watertown require 7= standards, which requires developers • to provide • - parking than r necessary t� t lC1ur.AL t]'I'R [.]r.l?y Pa MAKF A DEAFEAENC.E iU OLD PA5A=NA �� &AMFY•STRE TS CLGANLI N M-ALLEYS 10. Adjust Parking & Zoning Standards to Encourage Investment in the Squares • Reducing or eliminating parking requirements will facilitate r y .. development focused on uses other than parking • An in-lieu fee system creates flexibility for developers while allowing the Town to mitigate the impact of additional trips, whether through providing parking elsewhere or enhancing multimodal access • Help dedicate funds for various Town Square improvements and give the public the opportunity to give input on how their parking money should be used • Regular review of parking revenue and trends will allow the Town to adjust for changes and create availability • A Parking Benefit District will help the Town fund improvements, and give the public a way to see the benefits of increased rates 80 QUESTIONS ? August27th, 2019 � Stantec THANK YOU ! August 27th, 2019 � Sta 82ec