Parking and Transportation
Parking & Transportation
Ultimate Goal: Make it easy for people using all modes of transportation to get into the city and reach their destinations.
On the first CNYSpeaks survey, people identified parking as their No. 1 deterrent to coming Downtown more often. More people said parking than anything else.
Yet Central New Yorkers are divided on whether Downtown actually needs more parking. A recent city study found that there are empty spaces Downtown at all times of the day, and many Central New Yorkers worry that the call for more parking could lead to the destruction of more Downtown buildings.
But what’s clear is that if people think getting in and out of the city is going to be a hassle, they are less likely to come.
What’s also apparent is that citizens are more unified and supportive of approaches that encourage biking, walking and public transportation.
There is also significant support for initiatives that encourage parking garage owners to beautify their structures and add security enhancements that enable 24-hour access.
Action Steps:
• Increase the frequency and convenience of bus service to and from Downtown. Work with CENTRO to do a comprehensive study of routes with the goal of cutting travel times and increasing frequency of service, especially at night and on weekends.
• Work to ensure that the new bus transfer station stays on schedule. The new station, slated to open in 2011, could make riding the bus more desirable. It also has the added benefit of making the area around the current transfer station more desirable to developers. Make sure the new station serves Downtown riders well.
• Cater to bikers and walkers. Continue support for the Connective Corridor and other initiatives that help transform Syracuse into a bike-and-pedestrian friendly city. Make the completion of the Onondaga Creek Walk a high priority.
• Look to increase on-street parking. Maximize these highly sought after spaces by reconsidering
no-parking zones and looking for areas where diagonal parking makes sense.
• Ensure that tearing down Interstate 81 Downtown receives serious consideration. Use the upcoming Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council study as an opportunity to explore the potential of this idea.
• Maximize the convenience of garage parking. Consider another voucher program. Work with owners to expand hours and access. Insist on proper lighting and security measures.
