The City is currently evaluating whether to put a new parking garage at 7th and O (near the viaduct) or 9th and Q (where Barry's currently sits). The former would spread out parking options; the latter would condense them. There are advantages and disadvantages either way.
Consider the 7th and O location. It's the farthest from most of the proposed action in the Haymarket. In one sense that counts as a negative, particularly in inclement weather. But not being right next to all the action means it will be easier to get vehicles into and out of the garage. No businesses would be uprooted for a garage at 7th and O, and in fact it would bring new visibility to storefronts along O Street and points to the south. I'm leaning toward this option.
The 9th and Q location, on the other hand, is in the heart of the action. It's across the street from an existing garage and a block away from another one. It's near current and proposed businesses, and it's easy to access from 9th Street and I-180. This location consolidates traffic, which could be good or bad depending on how it's managed. It would at least temporarily displace Barry's, so the cost is automatically higher; the cost would skyrocket if the building owners decided not to play ball. Lincoln could try to pull some sort of eminent domain action, but if they do they should lose.
City Councilman and Mr. Haymarket Jon Camp wants the 9th and Q location. We have to take his opinion with a giant grain of salt, however, because his opinion is wrapped in all kinds of personal interests. "I just truly want what's best for (the) Haymarket," he says. I'm sure that's true. It's also true that he wants what's best for himself; we all do. Conspicuously absent from the LJS article on the topic is any hint of other Haymarket property and business owners' opinions on the matter. It's hard to put Mr. Camp's opinions into context without knowing what others in the area think. Hopefully the LJS will follow up on that.
So where would you put a garage?
Comments
See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.
From the Journal article:
“And parking already is tight in that area, said Camp, who owns buildings in the Haymarket, including one that would be purchased to make way for a parking garage at Ninth and Q streets.”
Gee… I wonder why Camp favors the 9th and Q location?
We will need one of each. I think the Empyrean development would greatly benefit from more parking in the 7th and O area.
I did catch one of the local TV stations interview with a Haymarket business owner that aired last night. At least I think it was the owner—regardless, it was someone representing the From Nebraska gift shop. She said that, of course, she favored the 9th & Q location, because it’s closest to her business, and because the two new hotels are taking up a significant number of spaces in the Haymarket garage. But I also took it that she would be happy with another parking garage in the Haymarket period.
Personally, I think either option makes sense. 9th & Q is closer to the action. 7th & O could spur development between the new Empyrean development and the garage and between the new arena and the garage. And it would especially make sense if they end up building the Breslow Ice Center along the viaduct as originally planned.
Camp did say he thought we needed both garages, but that it would make sense to build at 9th & Q first, then the other in five years, or so. That’s probably true since the new hotels will be up an running before the arena. Worst part is that even if Barry’s relocates into the new parking garage, it won’t be the same.
BTW, I work in one of Camp’s Haymarket buildings.
Share your thoughts with the community.
Commenting is no longer permitted on this post.