Parking Lots, Too Big, Too Expensive, Too Bad. Like most retired people I've carved out a bit of a job that I do on a voluntary basis. I am a social media editor of Facebook pages. I am responsible for most if not all material posted on Metro Go and TSAC. Both of these sites are dedicated to informing people about transportation issues and the status of the development of our various transit grids.
Transit Grids are the joining of various elements in the Transit System for a region that allows people to get from here to there in that region. Elements being as complicated as Airports and Train depots to as simple as walking right of ways and bike paths. The important thing is recognizing that all of the elements are important, but all of them must interface to be effective.
The most glaring example of non-connection in Milwaukee is getting from the Mitchell to the downtown. Why people don't take the two buses that can get them from the airport to downtown for the lowest cost, I can't say. And why travelers would do it if it were light rail is controversial.
But I digress. My observation today is about parking. I've lived in Milwaukee and in the Fox Valley for most of my life. One of the many things that they share in common is an overabundance of parking, both flat lot and ramp structures.
As I finished that sentence, I could hear the howls of decent. In the Canons of Urban Issues Study, there are what is referred to as autocentric people, who believe they have the right to drive where ever they want and should be able to park at their destinations front door. What most of us don't realize is that parking cars is a terrible underuse of expensive property.
I've challenged people to use a Google Satellite image of a downtown area, print it and hi-light the structures or land that are dedicated for parking. I can tell you that the hi-light areas are worth millions of dollars and for the most part sit empty.
They are not ineffectual, however. Parking lots make wonderful temporary skateboard parks. As rainwater collectors, they are unmatched. The fact that they, as rainwater collection agents, introduce pollutants such as oil, salt, and waste to the water requiring that it be treated at the sewage plant is just one of those free services automobile drivers get without knowing it.
While the owner of the property enjoys tax breaks to ensure that there is parking, they have no responsibly to perform. If their lot only produces 25% of capacity, it's probably enough to cash flow the venture, while the worth of the property grows.
Now, it is true that some development of parking opportunities comes from zoning laws. The guidelines for these demands are seriously outmoded. However, financiers and governmental authorities are slow, if not immobile, on the recognition of the cost and effect of ignoring this issue.
Until the grid is evaluated, updated and redesigned. The Parking problem will continue to be too much instead of not enough.
Fact: We bought two Frazer 's for our Christmas Trees. One of them was 7 feet the other was 4 feet. Both cost the same. I'm becoming bald scratching my head over this one.
Correction: Last week I stated publicly that Wisconsin would beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. I was wrong. To those that might think my prediction cursed them, I point out that they beat the spread, which is ultimately the "Wisdom of the Crowd."
Lost in Cyber Space: Many of you might remember my recent column on how I occasionally get lost on the internet. I go to a site for specific information and then end up watching Simon cry when an unlikely singer moves him.
Well today, I'm looking on a page which promises to teach me how to write blues music. Somehow I end up on Youtube watching some terrible tape of a funny Rodney Dangerfield on the Johmmy Carson show.
Rodney is telling Johnny that to quit smoking he and his wife decided to only smoke after they have had sex.
His pack of cigarettes is three months old and only one of them is gone. The bad news is his wife is up to three pack a day.
From Camp Jeff, North Of Milwaukee, South of Green Bay Hoping you're ready for winter because it arrived this morning. I'm The Poppa Jeff.
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