A consultant that looked into the supply of parking places in downtown Amherst came back with a finding that surprised many. Yes, there are enough.
But this debate isn’t over – and shouldn’t be.
While the Boston firm found that there are usually ample spaces to meet demand, not all are available at all hours to the public; many are in lots owned by businesses and institutions like Amherst College. Then there is the perception problem – and it’s here that local businesses raise good questions: How hard should a potential customer have to hunt for a space, and how far from their retail destination? While a parking lot exists behind CVS on North Pleasant Street, it’s a bit of a hidden resource.
In the middle of summer, with students away, finding a place to park is never the same challenge it is other times of year, especially around the holidays. Some say Amherst just needs to better manage parking. But for retailers, availability at peak times can be make-or-break for business success. Parking isn’t the only reason some retailers are stressed, but it’s in the mix. In Northampton, the E.J. Gare garage behind Thornes Marketplace is a vital presence. Amherst has a similar facility downtown, the 188-space Boltwood parking garage that opened in 2002.
The new study says that one garage is enough, though the Amherst Business Improvement District and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce favor taking a look at the need for another. Early last year, when the town gathered citizens to talk about parking, 84 percent of those taking part were in favor of getting the ball rolling on plans for a second garage. But with the new report, it will be hard to justify the expense.
Garages can cost $25,000 to $35,000 per space. The Boltwood garage cost $5 million, though more than half was covered by a grant.
The Downtown Parking Working Group is digesting the latest advice. Its best path: Do all it can to improve what the tech folks call the user experience. Before townspeople accept ponying up money for a second garage, they’ll have to believe all other avenues were exhausted.