Council considers senior parking
JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council on Monday will be asked to decide whether seniors have enough parking at the senior center and, if they don't, to fix it at a cost ranging from $1,300 to $440,000.
The council also was expected Monday to vote on spending $200,000 to remodel the ice rink so a junior A hockey team could locate here. The agreement with Wisconsin Hockey Partners was not ready when the agenda was printed, so the council will consider that issue on Feb. 23.
Staff said a study done in June shows enough parking exists around the senior center. When the seniors did not agree with the results of the study, the council asked staff to identify parking alternatives and report back.
Seniors believe at least 20 more parking spots are needed.
Staff recommends changing programming at times of peak demand rather than building more spots. The city also could move Mercy Options leased parking across the street to the parking plaza. That could create 17 more parking spots. Mercy Options asked to retain three leased spots, and signs would cost $1,500. The senior center parking lot is public parking, so staff can't guarantee that Mercy Options visitors would not continue using it.
Many seniors prefer a new parking lot on the site of the former jail at a cost of $400,000 for the land and another $40,000 for stalls. That would create 90 parking spots.
Seniors say instructors and students dictate programming so the times would be difficult to change. Seniors also want to add offerings at the center but say they can't because there is not enough parking.
Nineteen additional spots could be created around the building at a cost of $5,526 per stall, or $105,000, according to the memo. That would include making St. Lawrence Avenue one-way westbound.
Eric Levitt, city manager, said in a memo to the council that he couldn't justify the costs for a new parking lot despite the possible benefits.
"We are in (a) tough economic environment, and I believe the recommended solution addresses some of the immediate parking needs," he said.
"I also believe the option on adding parking spaces on existing streets would be the best next step."
Feb 14, 2009 at 6:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
I just cannot see spending that amount of money for parking. That money can be used for other uses. Also, how many senior citizens actually use the current facility? Think of how many more might welcome being able to get to a center that IS more accessible. I believe in history, but the planning for that center missed the mark for a location that would benefit more seniors. Our city often wastes money - a time will come again for when parking will be an issue not only for the senior center but for other businesses nearby. I also believe in rebuilding the downtown area, but I know of too many senior citizens that have difficulty getting to the current center. I'm sure the building would find another great occupant.....a business that just might flourish and really offer a revitalization to the downtown.
Feb 7, 2009 at 10:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
As I've noted before, the river parking ramp has spaces that are closer to the rear entrance of the senior center than the halfway point of the block they are talking about paving. While parking across Court Street is not optimal, especially with the stoplight at the lot entrance gone, it does already exist and could be designated for the seniors' use.
.
Also open for question is how much the center encourages car-pooling and ride-sharing.
Feb 7, 2009 at 10:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
how about the bus...i am a senior and went there a few times and it was clickish. i never felt welcomed so i quit going and i haven't missed anything, except maybe a situation where i might have to walk a little to get there.
Feb 7, 2009 at 9:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
OOPS- "Identified" sorry don't need the spelling police coming after me........
Feb 7, 2009 at 7:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
No way I just drove down by there to check it out and 3 cars in the lot, I do realize at times there are alot more however there is A HUGE parking lot with hundreds of parking stall right across the street. Simple solution senior private parking (Get them all stickers so they can be identfied) Mercy options across the street or coming really soon the NEW PARKING RAMP BEING BUILT A BLOCK UP!(Another monument to stupidity when ya tore the last parking ramps down that where only two blocks north of the new one)One or two signs would need to be made and you could probably get A volunteer to make them to save MORE tax dollars from being WASTED! Come on city council members its time to think like the money is coming out of your own pocket instead of the tax payers when it comes to stuff like this......
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.