AG 2007 07 23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.~~ SITE EVALUATION -imx a Parking While it is not within the scope of this study to provide specific comment nn parking concerns and solutions, there are general concerns presented by new cons[ruttion of the projected scope in downtown Concord. Public parking in downtown continues to be a concern for merchants and government agencies, with staff convenient staff parking limited for the latter. Although the City of Concord's new parking deck on Cxbarms Avenue has been open for some time, there still appears to be a lack of convenient parking for County government functions during times of high courts activity. This is of particular concern for this site evaluation study, since large areas of either currently available public or staff parking face potential demolition under the various sire proposals. Chapter 8 of the UDO provides information on parking requirements for new construttion. According to Table 8.1-6, new civic or government buildings will be required ro provide at least one parking space for every 300 gross square feet of floor area and not more than one parking space for every L25 gross square feet of floor area. This requirement would apply to any courts or law enforcement center construction. However, Sec[ion 8. i.1.2 provides an exemption from parking requirements for all properties in die CC zoning district. While this eliminates the technical parking requirement for any of the sites considered, it does not eliminate the real need co provide staff and public parking, particularly for furore courts construction. Two of the sites presented as possible jail locations, Sites 2 and 3, may be better considered as locations for parking structures. Site is slightly largeq almost syuare foocprinq relatively Elac surface, and location close to dre Courthouse, Union Street business district, and haute City Hall would make it a convenient location for long-term parking (half a day or more) for those with extended business wi[h either city or county government, leaving on-street parking along Union Street free for short-term parking for restauran[s and shops. Sniff parking for the jail wilt present a significant design issue once the jail program is finalized. Staff parking requirements will probably be, in die most extreme cue, more than twice the actual number of staff. This is m accommodate the overlap of personal vehicles chat will occur just before, during, and after shift changes, when later shifts must arrive, prepare for work, and move to their assigned duties before the previous shift can leave the facility. This will apply for jail staff and law edforcement staff, who must also be provided with space for patrol cars and impounded vehicles. The lack of secured staff parking presents a significam concern under the current public courts parking. Some judges, the District Attorney, witnesses, and other potentially at-risk personnel are forced to mix with defendants, family members, and other persons who may present a security threat. The final judicial master plan will call for each judge, the District Attorney, and certain other high-profile staff members co have secured or access-controlled parking, with some additional spaces provided, if possible, fur witnesses. Apra zoo~l l s Cr' `~ WB.1