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Parking Strategic Action Plan Approved

At tonight’s meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to endorse the Parking Strategic Action Plan for downtown Cedar Rapids. The Council also directed the negotiation of a management agreement that could potentially transfer management of the municipal parking system to the Cedar Rapids Downtown District.

A result of collaboration between the City, Downtown District, SSMID and countless other downtown stakeholders, the Parking Strategic Action Plan provides a specific roadmap for implementing key elements of both the JLG Downtown Vision and Central Area Reinvestment Action Plan. The plan has been enthusiastically endorsed by both the Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Self Supported Municipal Improvement District boards of directors.

Highlights include six “Primary Action Items” designed to jumpstart the recovery of the parking system; many of these Primary Action Items are recommended to be implemented in 2010 and include noticeable improvements such as parkade refurbishment and multi-space meters that accept credit/debit cards.

“An easy to use, customer-focused downtown parking system will go a long way towards improving the overall downtown experience,” said Vanessa Solesbee, Operations Director for the Downtown District. “After five months of stakeholder meetings, research and planning, we are ready to begin negotiations with the City and move forward with implementation of the plan.

To view the Parking Strategic Action Plan, click on Cedar Rapids Parking Strategic Plan 4-19-10 CC.pdf