Marquette Parking Issues Studied

The Marquette Downtown Development Authority is working on an analysis of the current parking system in the city.

The DDA has retained Nelson/Nygaard Parking Consultants, New York, NY to conduct a comprehensive parking analysis for the Downtown District.  According to a press release, the project goals include an evaluation of the current parking system and an analysis of future parking needs based on potential future development opportunities.

The DDA says recommendations from the consultant will be used to develop a comprehensive parking management and transportation strategy to maximize the use of available parking, improve existing parking facilities, provide for parking improvements, provide for emerging technologies, and generate revenue that will make the parking system self-sustaining.

According to DDA Executive Director, Mona Lang, “Nelson/Nygaard specializes in developing recommendations for an appropriate balance of well-managed parking while ensuring convenient and efficient access that is part of a comprehensive approach to downtown commercial development.”

Nelson/Nygaard have developed integrated parking plans ranging from small to larger cities including Ann Arbor; Salem and Nantucket, MA; Seattle, and Washington, DC.

The consultant team will be in Marquette to conduct local focus groups and field work from Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28.

An on-line survey is now available to allow input and data. The survey can be accessed at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/DowntownMarquetteParkingStudy.

The DDA encourages all users of the Downtown/Third Street parking system to complete the survey.