The parking study identified a need for a new public parking structure in the Downtown in order to support greater economic development and accommodate parking needs associated with new construction and infill of vacant building space. Given the large amount of vacant building space and the desire to increase land use density and diversity, additional parking will be needed. The parking study suggested three sites along 56th Street that were candidates for a parking structure. All three sites provided a close connection to the streetcar system. Given that it has been more than four years since the study was prepared, an update of the site selection would be warranted. A key policy issue is whether the additional parking is provided as development occurs or ahead of development. Companies that are looking to move into the Downtown want to know if there is adequate parking. Having a surplus of parking can be a promotional tool to stimulate new development. With new construction the developer could have an option of paying a fee-in-lieu of providing the parking. The fee would be used to finance public parking. Another option to increase supply is to encourage public-private partnerships. On-street parking is allowed along many streets in the downtown. It is free, but limited to two hours. More than 25% of the supply in the Downtown is off-street parking. An employee survey done as part of the parking study indicated that as many as 36% of the employees are parking on-street. During the off-peak season, this would be okay. However, during the peak season, employees should be encouraged to use off-street parking and allow shoppers or visitors to use the closer on-street parking. Also, given the large amount of onstreet parking availability there may be opportunities to use on-street parking for bicycle improvements, streetcar system expansion, streetscape, sidewalk widening and bus stops.
Two-hour parking is the predominant form of time restricted, on-street parking in Downtown Kenosha.
Another recommendation was to discourage future development of private surface parking lots in the Downtown. Small surface lots disrupt pedestrian activity. Surface lots and large breaks between buildings can discourage walking. People tend to walk farther with an enjoyable and comfortable environment. Landscaping, lack of driveways, streetscape, and interesting store fronts create a more interesting environment for walking. Many parts of the Downtown include these features.
A surface parking lot along 55th Street creates a gap in the building line, and introduces a driveway that interrupts the sidewalk. This reduces visual unity and detracts from the walking environment.
CITY OF KENOSHA, WISCONSIN
KENOSHA DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN: STATE OF THE DOWNTOWN FINAL DRAFT
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
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