Let’s solve our parking crisis

We need a comprehensive parking management strategy

Our island needs a solution which 1) provides parking for working people who require a car; 2) keeps our roads clear for emergency vehicles and provides safety for pedestrians; 3) recognizes that our roads are built on incredibly valuable public lands which are for everyone's benefit; 4) provides an easy and cost-effective transition to the future of our city in which most residents can walk or utilize public transit to accomplish their daily tasks.

My proposal is a variant on the Japanese solution, which requires that residents prove that they have off-street parking before a car is purchased. In Japan, on-street parking is severely curtailed, which has created a market opportunity for providers of off-street parking. When I look at our city, I see many parking lots which are vacant overnight or on most days. I favor a solution which uses a combination of fees, enforcement and market incentives. 

1. Modify and expand the Restricted Parking Zone program, with collected funds going to Neighborhood Boards for local budgeting.

2. Allow for schools, parks, churches, shopping centers and private residences to compete with the RPZ to offer parking. 

3. Offer a city-sponsored 'amnesty' program to allow for residents to rid their property and surrounding roads of unused vehicles.