University:
Boston University
Course:
CAS PO 502 | Political Analysis
Academic year:

2023
Views:

397

Pages:

14
Author:

Brenden Trevino

Parking Requirements in Somerville and the Green Line Extension Process Context Case Studies Analysis Recommendations and Next Steps Sustainability Economy Design and Urban Form Transportation What strategies can enable reduction in parking requirements in Somerville, with the advent of the Green Line Extension? 3 Abstract Parking has always been a hotly debated topic that reflects the demographic, building, and neighborhood characteristics of a given community. Car parking is a routine yet highly complex part of daily life for both drivers and those affected by parking. Transportation infrastructure, design, and travel behavior all affect the role that parking plays within a community. The presence of technological advances has changed the way that we view parking. This study aims to unravel the effects the Green Line Extension will have in leveraging parking requirements within Somerville. In addition, we will be looking at how certain stakeholders value demand and the way that the building of the Green Line Extension will alter the parking situation in Somerville. The decision to not build any dedicated parking for each transit stop has been a concern of several stakeholders, which will allow commuters the opportunity to drive to different commuter stops and park on side streets. Excess parking encourages more driving, by providing drivers with more available options to park. The price of land in Somerville affects parking requirements. Overbuilt parking lots reduce the amount of land that can be used to generate economic indicators. Ultimately, rather than building parking garages, the excess land can be used for housing and mixed-use development. Minimum Parking requirements have been a mainstay in cities throughout the past 50 years, it is only until now that these requirements are being rolled back to promote more sustainable development. In this study, we will analyze the role that the building of a light rail has had on commuters while also analyzing the effects of eliminating minimum parking requirements. This analysis will allow us to develop policy recommendations to see if the Green Line Extension should be leveraged as a catalyst in reducing parking requirements in Somerville. 4 Achieving Minimum Parking Requirements ● ● ● Pollution, GHG Social Equity Physical Activity ● ● Competitive Modes System Resilience ● ● ● ● Site Design Sprawl Development Costs Business Costs 5 Optimal Parking With all factors taken into consideration, the zone of optimum parking is identified. 6 Why is the GLX beneficial to Reducing Parking Requirements? Somerville, MA Somerville currently has two MBTA subway stations: Assembly Square and Davis Square being apart of the Orange and Red Lines, respectively. 7 Why is the GLX beneficial to Reducing Parking Requirements? Somerville, MA The GLX will increase the community’s walkable access to public transit from 25% to 80%. 8 Current Somerville Parking Data Somerville Minimum Parking Requirements Somerville’s Current Residential Parking Pass: ● $40 annual fee ● Free for those 65+ or with handicapped plates/placards ● Location: unlimited unless otherwise stated ● Hours: unlimited unless otherwise stated Residential Use Parking Spaces to be Provided Dwelling Unit in: single-, two-, or three- family dwelling building, townhouses, multiple dwelling building, or mobile home, (including Artist Live/ Work Space) 1.0 per efficiency/ studio unit or Artist Live/Work space; 1.5 per unit with 1 or 2 bedrooms 2.0 per unit with 3 or more bedrooms (unless otherwise specified in article) Plus in all cases: 1.0 for every 6 units (when 6 or more units) for visitors and service vehicles Senior Citizen Housing (including congregate) 0.75 per unit, 0.40 per unit allowable by special permit Source: City of Somerville 9 Parking Supply Lost Opportunity The minimum parking requirements for the 8,131 households without a car in Somerville is equal to: 2,556,600 sf. or 3,631 One Bedroom Units 10 Case Studies *Requirements for case cities: ● ● Somerville Phoenix Transit Oriented Development Minneapolis/ Saint Paul Affordable Housing ● Light rail installed between 2008-2010 Reduction in number of those who commuted to work by car Transportation infrastructure lead to co-benefits Seattle Sustainable Living 11 Seattle, Washington Sustainable Living 12 Seattle What? Reduce parking and discourage driving Why? Promote a more sustainable and successful commitment to environmental sustainability How? Reduce parking by opening private lots to the public and separating parking from rental leases 13 Seattle Transportation Trends - Drove Alone 2000 2016 14