The Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, in partnership with the City of Savannah, will host a community workshop on Tuesday, April 14, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah.  This is the first community meeting in the development of Parking Matters:  A Strategic Plan for Parking + Mobility in Greater Downtown Savannah.  The meeting will be held in an open house format so the public may come at any time during the workshop hours.  The workshop will include multiple ways for the community to provide input relating to parking and mobility in the greater downtown Savannah area and learn more about development of the plan.

Parking Matters will identify the existing parking supply and demand in downtown, incorporate community feedback and suggestions for improving existing parking and transportation mobility options in Savannah, and develop strategies for Downtown Savannah’s parking and transportation system that bolster economic development, provide mobility options, and enhance the overall quality for life for residents, employees, and visitors alike.  Development of the plan is led through the expertise of parking consultants, Nelson\Nygaard.  The planning process will engage residents and businesses in a series of public meetings and focus groups to create the strategic plan by the end of 2015.  The study area includes greater downtown Savannah from River Street to 37th Street and Boundary Street to East Broad Street.

“The design and availability of parking has the potential to shape both the look and experience of a city, the quality of life of its citizens and visitors and the potential for new growth and development. The need to accommodate parking should be balanced with other goals such as livability, mobility, historic character, and economic development,” said Tom Thomson, Executive Director, Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission/CORE MPO and co-project manager.  “This is a very comprehensive study that will analyze current parking supply and utilization and identify specific solutions to meet existing and future needs.  In addition, the study will also include recommendations for parking policies, regulations, and management,” said Veleeta McDonald, Director, City of Savannah Mobility + Parking Services and co-project manager.

The project website is www.savannahparkingmatters.com, which provides more detailed information and an opportunity to sign up for email updates.  The community is also encouraged to participate in a quick survey available on the project website or directly at https://surveymonkey.com/r/parkingmatters.