During peak hours, parking woes can be found at shopping centers, educational institutions, business districts, transit centers, and in vibrant downtowns. Bothell’s downtown revitalization has entered adolescence and during this transitional time we are experiencing growing pains.
Our downtown has become a place to be with its new and long-time favorite restaurants and retail stores coupled with recently completed urban housing; all envisioned by the community 10 years ago. Parking challenges in downtown Bothell are part of this transition and are a source of frustration during peak hours.
This current parking crunch is about to be further impacted by the long awaited Main Street Enhancement project, which starts construction this month. Recently funded with $4.7 million in grant funds, this project will make our historic core more pedestrian-friendly and a very special gathering place.
Parking challenges are complex and need immediate, short-term and long-term solutions. The City’s immediate solutions include building a temporary public parking lot near Baskin Robbins, set to open by the end of April and will remain open for the duration of construction. Signage will also be used to direct drivers to parking options. Surplus parking at City Hall, just a few steps from the heart of downtown, is always free and, while the amount will be reduced with development of the rest of the block, after-hours spaces will continue to support the growing amount of evening activity. Get more information on the Main Street project and parking options at www.bothellwa.gov/MSE.
City staff has been working with a parking management consultant and is finalizing the first phase of a parking study. We anticipate presenting the study to the City Council this spring. The study will be used to evaluate short-term options including parking requirements for proposed developments and a phased parking enforcement program.. City staff are also evaluating residential parking permits.
The proposed second phase of the parking study will focus on longer-term strategies. These could include appropriate future parking limitations in the downtown, public private partnerships, shared transit oriented parking facilities, intelligent parking systems and multimodal transportation such as pedestrian, bus, shuttle, and bicycles for living and visiting the downtown.
As the downtown revitalization proceeds and construction winds down, parking pressures should lessen. With smart parking management decisions and a robust multimodal transportation system, we can enjoy the benefits of our revitalized and vibrant downtown for years to come. In the interim, don’t hesitate to come downtown. Park at City Hall and enjoy all we have to offer, especially our Main Street businesses as they patiently operate through the construction.
Jennifer Phillips is the city manager for the City of Bothell.
