thoughts, observations and other miscellany

I am a concerned resident of Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood.  Specifically, I am concerned about the city’s recently-announced Winter Parking Restrictions.  I understand the challenges that a cold, snowy winter present.  Since late December, the streets in my neighborhood have been nearly impassible.  The roads are icy and snow covered.  The streets have narrowed such that two cars cannot pass each other.  And, my own car was side-swept overnight two weeks ago, no doubt due to the fact the streets are so narrow.

I appreciate the City of Minneapolis’ justification of the parking ban.  I understand the need for emergency vehicles to get where they need to go. 

I am frustrated however, with several things:

First, the city offers no remedy for the 50% reduction in parking spots.  Off-street parking is simply not an option for me.  My building does not offer off-street parking, nor do many of the neighboring buildings.  I often already find myself driving around for 15-20 minutes looking for a viable parking spot, especially if I get home later in the evening.  Where are the residents of my neighborhood supposed to park?  The city could have offered to open up special parking places (municipal lots or ramps?) while winter parking restrictions are in effect.

Secondly, I have a concern about my personal safety.  It appears that I may find myself parking 4 - 6 blocks away from my residence during this restriction (hopefully not further).  As a single woman, I am worried about my personal safety, parking my car blocks away from my residence, and walking home, usually in the dark, on my own.  In the past, I would obviously aim to park as close to my residence as possible.  

Thirdly, I am concerned that the parking ban will have a negative effect on the businesses in my neighborhood.  Uptown is a robust area filled with restaurants, shops, and other businesses.  Many non-Minneapolis residents visit my neighborhood on a regular basis.  This parking ban may end up being a public relations nightmare for the neighborhood when guests find themselves ticketed or towed (or simply unable to find parking).  Many people already think that “going into the city” can be an irritating experience.  This ban simply gives people one more reason to not spend their money in Uptown.

Finally, the roads have been in a terrible state for quite some time now.  In fact, when the latest snow emergency was declared, cars on my street were not towed (unmoved cars were ticketed), and the even side of my road was not plowed.  Again, I understand the challenges to plowing in my neighborhood, given the sheer number of street-parked cars, however, it seems that if the City would have done a better job plowing during earlier winter storms, we would not be in this position today.  I have been extremely unimpressed by the City’s snow removal efforts.

Respectfully,

Sarah Bauer