PARKING IS NOT FREE. I posted here about the proposition that shortages of parking spaces occur when the price of parking is too low to clear the market. James Cameron writes an informative regular column about transportation in our local paper. In a recent column, he wrote about the hidden costs of free parking spaces. He dissents from the standards for parking spaces for new construction set by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He uses as an example of requiring too many parking spaces the standard that a convent should have one parking space for every ten nuns in residence. Shopping centers and hotels are supposed to have enough parking spaces for days when they are at capacity. Some shopping centers have 60% of their land for parking and only 40% for shopping. I do have to admit that providing enough parking spaces for the days when stores are full is good for people like me who believe that December 23 is the best shopping day of the year.
Categories
Archives
Recent Comments
- Gary Nuetzel on THE OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE STARTS ITS 32ND SEASON. (COMMENT).
- Francesca on EATING PEAS WITH A KNIFE.
- avon wilsmore on CHEATING IN CHAMPIONSHIP BRIDGE.
- Anonymous on THE LANGUAGE WEIRDNESS INDEX.
- James Friscia on THE SECOND OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE.
- Ken Babcock on THE SECOND OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE.
- Lickity Splitfingers on THE SECOND OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE.
- Ken Babcock on THE OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE STARTS ITS 32ND SEASON. (COMMENT).
- David Quemere on THE OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE STARTS ITS 32ND SEASON. (COMMENT).
- Nicholas Schaefer on THE SECOND OLDEST FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE.
Meta
I think the amount of parking you have available effects how much people will be willing to come to your business. I know I much prefer going to places of business where there will be ample parking, and frequently do not go to businesses or venues that I normally would really enjoy because parking would be too much of a hassle.
I think if a business has a huge amount of parking, they will see the demand for it increase.
Students and faculty at my university and others invariably complain about inadequate parking. However, there are always spaces in the lots that are not close to classrooms. People will cruise around the favored lots even though they would save time if they just bit the bullet and decided at the outset to walk somewhat more.
At the time that I was moving out from New York City, I read that you know you have moved to the suburbs when you drive around the mall looking for a closer parking space. So I made a point of parking on the fringes. When the kids were little they used to complain about this eccentricity.
I have noticed the incredible aversion to walking any distance at all. I like parking on the fringes and away from other vehicles, and I even have a favored row at the mall (yes, I like my routines). I’ve had certain people complain about my parking quirks as well.
I parked in the same spot at work, against a far wall, for years. I have a favorite row at the mall as well, but, at this point, maybe because it’s easier to remember.