PSU, nonprofit hope to turn parking spots into public-use areas
Portland Tribune 4/24/2014
“When we leave (campus) for lunch, we don’t want to go back, because we have an hour break,” says Michael Coon, a graduate student at PSU’s School of Architecture. “The food carts are always an option, but there’s nowhere to stay and eat.”
If PBOT approves the Fourth Avenue “parklet” proposal, it would remove two parking spots in front of the food cart pod between Southwest College and Hall streets.
The parklet would consist of a 32-foot wooden deck with a slanted polycarbonate roof, housing a variety of seating arrangements for up to 20 people, rain or shine.
The structure could be moved between locations.
And in true Portland style, it would be designed and built by students, with sustainable materials, plants for stormwater runoff, and partnerships with local businesses.
I have heard the argument that cars parked on the street are using public assets for free and that this needs to be stopped. I have also heard people say that bicyclists don't pay gas taxes or license fees and therefore do not contribute to the construction or maintenance of bicycle (or roadway) infrastructure. Those who own and drive automobiles do not park on public streets for free, they paid for, and continue to pay for the streets, and for right to park on them. It has never been "free."
In the swirl of excitement about expanding the Street Seats program, it seems the Portland Bureau of Transportation has forgotten about current bricks and mortar businesses and their customers that depend on availability of street parking. In true Portland style, some businesses prosper and some suffer at the hands of the city's eco-political agenda.
What are streets for? Transportation? Parklets? Restaurant annexes?
* * * * *
And in true Portland style, more public ROW asphalt meant for automobiles will be removed from service.
The "LIFT" Winner of 2013 Design Competition
Total cost: $6,000. Built with donations.
Typical Portland Street Seat installation.
I have heard the argument that cars parked on the street are using public assets for free and that this needs to be stopped. I have also heard people say that bicyclists don't pay gas taxes or license fees and therefore do not contribute to the construction or maintenance of bicycle (or roadway) infrastructure. Those who own and drive automobiles do not park on public streets for free, they paid for, and continue to pay for the streets, and for right to park on them. It has never been "free."
In the swirl of excitement about expanding the Street Seats program, it seems the Portland Bureau of Transportation has forgotten about current bricks and mortar businesses and their customers that depend on availability of street parking. In true Portland style, some businesses prosper and some suffer at the hands of the city's eco-political agenda.
What are streets for? Transportation? Parklets? Restaurant annexes?
* * * * *
Vocabulary:
EcoDistrict: Originally a planned area that functioned like a self-contained eco-system where all food, energy, water, garbage, etc. was produced and recycled within the district. The more recent iteration involves a more intense version of energy and water conservation and other eco-friendly practices. The Foothills Plan may become an Ecodistrict - wait and see. It may involve public subsidies as these "best practices" do not usually pay for themselves.
Parklet: A small park. How does the PSU street seat become a park since it is rented and sponsored by a nonprofit rather than the public? Parklet or park, these don't seem Like the right terms for what they are.
Parklet: A small park. How does the PSU street seat become a park since it is rented and sponsored by a nonprofit rather than the public? Parklet or park, these don't seem Like the right terms for what they are.
Pavement to Parks: San Francisco's program to turn street parking into mini-parks.
SoMa: South of Market; used to be the University District, also the University Eco-District. SoMa sounds so --- hip I guess - like SoHo in NY, or SoMa in SF. Wait, there's two SoMas?
Street Seats: Portland's version of the SF program, but parking spaces are rented to restaurants who maintain exclusive use for their customers.
SoMa: South of Market; used to be the University District, also the University Eco-District. SoMa sounds so --- hip I guess - like SoHo in NY, or SoMa in SF. Wait, there's two SoMas?
Street Seats: Portland's version of the SF program, but parking spaces are rented to restaurants who maintain exclusive use for their customers.
No comments:
Post a Comment