First Chattanooga Parking Study Since 2004 Gets Underway

  • Thursday, January 19, 2017

The first comprehensive study of parking in downtown Chattanooga since 2004 is getting underway.

The project Is being led by the River City Company and CARTA in partnership with the city of Chattanooga. It is funded by the Lyndhurst and Benwood Foundations along with several downtown stakeholders including Erlanger Health System, UTC and Siskin Hospital.

The study is designed "to provide an understanding of how the downtown parking situation will change over a 10-year period and what forms of action are necessary to support growth while maintaining an adequate and effective parking system."

Study areas include downtown, the Southside and UTC/Erlanger/Siskin.

The final report is expected to be complete in late spring.

Officials said the scope of the study is extensive and includes a full parking supply and demand analysis, current off-street and on-street parking supply and demand, an inventory and distribution of public and private facilities and groups served by these facilities and utilization rates by day and hour for shared-use opportunities. In addition, future parking demand will be analyzed with regard to existing zoning requirements, current and future development, special events that place non-typical strain on parking supply and the identification and evaluation of potential locations for added parking.

Kim White, River City president and CEO, said, "We know that as downtown Chattanooga continues to grow and change, strategic parking solutions will be vital for all who enjoy our city - residents, workers and visitors. But we also know that there are strategic solutions for parking that can be implemented both quickly and in the long-term that can assist in meeting parking needs and that future parking demand will be greatly influenced by things like the rise of car and ride share, public transportation options and the increased residential choices about to be available downtown.

"We want to make sure we are planning for the future and making smart decisions about how limited downtown space is utilized."

Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates was selected from a request for proposals process to complete the study. It is a 130-person transportation firm with offices across the U.S. The firm has completed similar projects in cities like Salem, Mass.; Savannah, Ga.;Monterey, Calif., and Washington, D.C.

Latest Headlines
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/19/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AWOLOWO, APRIL 105 EUCLID STREET ATHENS, 373030000 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OVER $1000 BARNETT, ... more

Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more