SC's parking garage mistake: It would undermine library project, make affordable housing harder

By Rick Longinotti of the Campaign For Sustainable Transportation

Guest Commentary in Lookout Santa Cruz - 7/12/22

The city’s promotion of the parking garage doesn’t meet the standards of good governance.

In December, 2016, city staff presented a proposal for a new parking structure to the city council without key information. Specifically, they presented a plan for a five-level parking structure without waiting for results of the Downtown Parking Strategic Plan – which Nelson\Nygaard consultants conducted under a $100,000 contract with the city.

When Nelson\Nygaard did submit its report, city staff never brought it to the city council for review. The contract called for a presentation to the council. That never happened. Nor was the report ever part of the council’s agenda packet.

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