Comment by Michael Vaughan on April 30, 2012 at 6:41pm

Another idea. What about using eminent domain on Coramart and putting in a city parking structure, 3 stories, one down, one ground level and one on a second story? Turn an eyesore into a productive eyesore? Alameda has one downtown. I have been there a few times and it feels a lot like Coronado but bigger. The footprint may be too small though, but it's a thought...

Comment by Jeffrey Atencio on April 30, 2012 at 6:44pm

I meant to add this: If the city can't afford a garage, then an alternative should be a shuttle service. Insert after decades of ignorance

Comment by Mayor Casey Tanaka on April 30, 2012 at 10:12pm

I would add that eminent domain is quite expensive. There are legal fees involved and then you must pay fair market value for the condemned property. If you pay for the land and the legal fees, you still need money left over to construct said garage at a location such as Cora-Mart. I am not convinced that the public wants a parking structure to be built at taxpayer expense nor am I convinced that there would be a suitable location or price point for one. I am convinced that Coronado's voters are fiscally conservative and would look at such a project skeptically unless they could be convinced that the cost and risks could be well controlled.

Comment by Kelley Kraft Casey on April 30, 2012 at 11:11pm

I'm glad to see that the Council may be reviewing the parking requirements.  I don't know how the code for restaurant parking compares to requirements for other businesses. It does seem like the requirements are more stringent, which doesn't make sense.  After all, I sometimes, for instance, park, go to a book store, a surf shop, a pet store and then might have lunch, all in the same trip, while parked in the same spot.  

Comment by Jeffrey Atencio on April 30, 2012 at 11:52pm

Ms. Casey makes a valid point. Although it's not meant to be, it is a punishment to business owners that have worked hard to grow their business. There are miles of parking off street. Use that instead of a garage or several parking lots. Imminent domain isn't the answer. It is too expensive. The city does own property elsewhere and that should be considered. In the immediate time, a shuttle bus driving in circles will resolve the problem until a better solution is found (garage). The tourist season has begun and a fix is needed. Property rental rates per square foot are off the charts. The city has an obligation to help the business owners as much of the revenue earned goes from business owners to the city. Each is dependent upon the other. It's time to give back instead of take.

Comment by Carrie Anne Inada Downey on May 1, 2012 at 12:14am

The issue really isn't that visitors to Orange Avenue businesses are unhappy with having to park a block away.  It is an issue that many Coronado residents that live on the streets around the businesses that get the overflow parking from the Orange Avenue businesses don't want it.  Even if we had a satellite parking facility, which may be a good idea, there is nothing that could force the visitors (residents included) to the Orange Avenue establishments to use it.  If there is a convenient parking space around the corner or on D, people will choose it.  And many people do walk or bike to their Coronado businesses so it is more than just the actual numbers or visitors an establishment has.  The real issue is what rules do we want to have for businesses on Orange.  Should it be different for restaraunts?  Are we more concerned about vacant store fronts or too many visitors parking in residential areas?  These are policy calls the council will need to make at some point but we need citizen input.  It is your community, so please continue to let us know what you think about the options.

Comment by Suzette Valle on May 1, 2012 at 6:49am

I remember the electric shuttle we had makiing rounds from the Landing to the Cays with many stops in between. This convenient service was halted and I don't recall exactly why. In the immediate short term, validated or free valet parking may not be such a bad idea if cars could be parked in existing lots and garages; BofA, Vons, The Landing, Coronado Plaza and any mix of existing sites without resorting to using residential areas or cordoning off any spots. This could be used as a trial solution to get us through the congested summer parking problems and aid businesses and patrons. A temporary solution is needed while the City reconsiders parking ordinances for restaurants. If the cost can be kept close to what we pay for meters, or absorbed and subsidized by businesses, this valet parking idea mentioned earlier may not be as unappetizing after all.

Comment by Brad Schwake on May 1, 2012 at 8:22pm

I can totally relate the comments made by Councilwoman Downey. I happen to be a resident living on D Ave and experience the negative affects of having business employees, their customers and their company vehicles parking in our residential parking spots. It's unpleasant for both my wife and I to arrive home after work each day and find we have to park two blocks over in either direction, and knowing we are violating someone else's residential parking space. But as my wife would say "it's the price we pay for living in beautiful Coronado."

I ask the City Council to focus on the citizens of Coronado first, when reviewing any city ordinance dealing with the parking situation. It appears we've forgotten the residents who live here and are mostly concerned with the businesses and the revenue they bring to the city. I believe the City Council is wiser to consider the number and size of our businesses and their impact on our city's residents.  

I believe the parking garage idea does have merit However, where it would be erected is for the professionals to decide. I also agree with the Mayor and the Councilwoman when they say people visiting Coronado will not use a parking garage when parking can be found in residential areas. I believe the City Council should consider a plan similar to the parking restrictions enacted just outside the North Island military base supporting those residents. Why can't parking permits be issued to residents and restricted parking signs posted in the residential community surrounding Orange Ave within a two block area? This idea would restrict parking in residential areas to residents with permits, and require non resident people's (employees, customers and visitors) to use the parking garage thus creating the required revenue. I know this is a long term solution.

In the short term, I just have to agree with my wife "it's the price we pay for living in beautiful Coronado."

Comment by Mayor Casey Tanaka on May 1, 2012 at 10:24pm

Permit parking could be a solution to the problem described for the 900 block of D Avenue, but it would require a petition with the signatures of 75% of the residences in the permitted area.

Comment by Kevin Queen on May 2, 2012 at 4:17pm

Half of this building was a soda fountain for years (with the best cherry soda in town by the way) and now we're trying to restrict an expansion of a food business in the name of parking problems in town?? If you can't find a place to park, then WALK!!

Comment (keep it clean & on topic)

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