Bart, while I agree that a parking shortage can't help business at the Shoppes, I think that it's easy to exaggerate that concern. Busboys and Poets is driving the lion's share of traffic at the shopping center, and they thrive in two D.C. locations with much less dedicated parking than they have here. People are willing to put up with parking hassles for an urban experience, which is what they're getting at the Shoppes. <div>
<br></div><div>A bigger concern than sinking businesses at the Shoppes is that the parking shortage could hurt Franklins, which plays in a slightly different market. The "Franklins lot" is the most visible public parking near the Shoppes, and it is full or near full on weekend evenings. If some of those spots are grabbed by Shoppes customers, then Franklins will definitely feel the pinch, because the family crowd eating there is less likely to want to walk blocks through downtown Hyattsville to get dinner.</div>
<div><br></div><div>I agree that the City parking on the west side of Route 1 is the most promising near-term solution, but it is not easy to find. Good logistics and signage will be necessary. This should be addressed sooner rather than later ...</div>
<div><br></div><div>As an aside to Sue Collins' comment about public transportation, years ago when I was on the Hyattsville City Council I floated a proposal to build a heritage trolley line that would link Hyattsville's Rte. 1 commercial district, the Riverdale Town Center, and the College Park Metro Station. I brought the nation's leading heritage trolley consultant down to do a one-day analysis of the route and market considerations. He agreed that the nodes, linkages and the sheer interest of the route were auspicious, but when he gave me a ballpark number for developing the line, I realized that it wasn't likely to happen without major support from higher levels of government, and that wasn't going to be forthcoming. </div>
<div><br></div><div>Fortunately, part of the right of way is probably going to be used for a bike trail that will provide significant benefits at a tiny fraction of the cost -- if we ever get it built. I understand that we're close to breaking ground on the Hyattsville side (several years after the Hyattsville Legacy Trail Task Force I served on disbanded). What's happening at Riverdale Park's end?</div>
<div><br></div><div>Chris</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Message: 1<br>
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:16:44 -0400<br>From: Bart Lawrence <<a href="mailto:bartkathleen@hotmail.com" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); ">bartkathleen@hotmail.com</a>><br>To: towntalk riverdale <<a href="mailto:towntalk@riverdale-park.org" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); ">towntalk@riverdale-park.org</a>><br>
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] parking at EYA<br>Message-ID: <SNT142-W19A6AA827966FBF5281E86DE0F0@phx.gbl><br>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"<br><br><br>Though a parking structure might be necessary, the city needs to address this problem however it can so that additional parking is available immediately. I also had trouble finding a parking spot 9 days ago when trying to duck into YOM and Mr. West wasn't in town.<br>
Chris, my concern is that "overflow parking" will be be to turn around and go home (or to MOM's in College Park). Someone driving from Laurel for a meal at BB&P isn't going to drive around Hyattsville looking for parking. They're more likely to troll the lot until a spot opens and then the next time they consider venturing to Hyattsville for a meal, they'll remember the extra 10 minutes (and the associated frustration) of searching for a parking space and maybe reconsider the visit. Then again, if people stop coming, there will be ample parking.<br>
It's my understanding that there are city lots toward the rear of the Castle/Crossover Church that abut Crossover's lot, and the city is working to hash out the logistics of this parking area. I hope that arranging safe and convenient parking with sufficient signage is one of the city's (and council's) top priorities. And, yes, more bike racks would be nice, especially near YOM's entrance.<br>
Bart Lawrence<br>Hyattsville, MD</span></div></div>