‘Event Parking District’ Proposal Taking Shape
In last month’s eNews, we provided some initial information on the City of Eugene’s parking proposal for the Olympic Trials. This month, more details are available and described below.
Background
The City of Eugene is working with TrackTown and the SUNA Board to establish an “Event Parking District” (EPD) during the 2021 Olympic Trials. Back in 2020, before COVID, neighbors will recall that city Parking Services collaborated with TrackTown staff to present a proposal at a SUNA general meeting. This proposal was given the approval to move forward.
COVID Prompts Revised Proposal
Then COVID necessitated rescheduling the Olympic Trials to this summer, and created the need for athletes and support staff, after being tested, to travel in a bubble or alone to Hayward Field. This increased the street parking required adjacent to Hayward. Consequently, the City has revised the plan approved previously by allowing only a limited number of parking permits – and these will be earmarked for athletes. The revised proposal will:
- Create a temporary ‘Event Parking District’ that runs from 18th Ave to 23rd Ave and Hilyard to Agate Streets.
- Existing residential permits will remain valid, as will guest permits (which will continue to be free to residents).
- Additionally, this area will allow only the special parking permits sold for athletes and support staff.
- Permits will be sold for athletes and support staff for $20/day.
- Eugene will increase parking enforcement during the event.
- All revenue generated from the permit fees – after costs of parking signage are recovered – will be invested in renovation of University Park, and not substitute for any currently planned city funding.
- Parking fines are proposed to double during the event days.
If attendance at the Trials is determined safe for spectators, shuttles will be provided from SEHS and Autzen. This proposal does not offer any permits to spectators.
Public Comment Opportunity
Implementing the proposed ‘Event Parking District’ will entail several steps. Administrative orders establishing the event area and doubling parking fines must be issued. As the City works through this process, neighbors will be notified about the proposal and invited to comment. Once the proposal period has closed, the comments will be considered and the City Manager will take these comments into consideration, and whether or not to move forward with the administrative orders. The final decision is appealable.
Community Benefit
City administrators and planners are enthused about piloting this Event Parking District program. It balances neighborhood livability and attendee experience during a large event. In 2016, studies of parking behavior during the Olympic Trials found that a large number of parking tickets were issued to vehicles parked in South University Neighborhood. This proposal provides multiple benefits: athletes can purchase parking, the city will have to issue fewer parking tickets, and the neighborhood will benefit from less chaotic parking and financial support for significant improvement in facilities at University Park. Further, as needed, the city has indicated they will work with neighbors who do not have off-street parking available, such as cordoning off an on-street space during the event.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jeff Petry at jpetry@eugene-or.gov at any time. Jeff would like to hear your voice prior to the administrative process.