HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 27 2014 EDAC rept 4a
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 27, 2014
AGENDA #: 4.a.
PREPARED BY: Dan Rogness, Community & Economic Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT & SIGNAGE PLAN
DISCUSSION: Introduction
Staff was invited by representatives of the Prior Lake Downtown Business Association (PLDBA) to
a meeting on Thursday, March 13 to discuss the timing of the proposed transportation and access
th
changes and downtown parking availability. The purpose of this agenda item is to provide a meeting
update and discuss the development of a downtown parking improvement and signage plan.
History
In response to comments received from downtown business owners related to the lack of available
parking in the downtown area, the City of Prior Lake completed an update to the Downtown Area
Parking Study in the summer of 2012. The study indicated that property owners and the City of Prior
Lake were providing a sufficient supply of on- and off-street parking to meet the current needs of
downtown business patrons and employees. However, based on peak parking occupancy results,
the Downtown Area Parking Study did not support additional commercial development in the down-
town core (Along Main Ave. between Dakota St. and CR21) without providing additional resident,
employee and customer parking.
Conclusion
During their March 17 meeting, the EDA directed staff to work with the EDAC and Prior Lake Down-
th
town Business Association (PLDBA) to: (1) help businesses evaluate where employees can park
further from their businesses; (2) add signs to the entrances of public parking lots; and (3) explore
public parking time limits. Staff had proposed developing a Downtown Parking Improvement and
Signage Plan that would also address improvements to public parking lots (lighting, curb/gutter,
surfacing), improvements for pedestrian access to/from all public parking areas, and an attractive
and effective wayfinding sign system that directs drivers and pedestrians to key downtown Prior
Lake destinations and public parking areas.
ISSUES: The EDA directed staff to work with the EDAC and PLDBA to improve overall public parking in the
downtown area. Eventually, the city will need to address the parking study’s conclusion that more
public parking should be added to support business expansion.
EDAC members should discuss downtown parking, and help define what information should be in-
cluded in a parking improvement and signage plan.
FINANCIAL There will be staff and/or consultant costs associated with the design work and implementation of a
IMPACT: plan as proposed.
ALTERNATIVES: Discussion Only.
RECOMMENDED Discussion Only.
MOTION: