PBOT to Vote on Steep Hike in Zone M Parking Permit Pricing
Zone M Permits will rise to $1,200/year if adopted
In a move that has sparked intense debate among residents, the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NW Parking SAC) is set to vote on a contentious proposal to increase the residential street parking permit pricing for Zone M to a staggering $1,200 per year. Slated for Wednesday, May 17, this vote could dramatically alter the landscape for neighborhood residents, who currently pay less than $200 per year.
The proposal, put forward by Rick Williams Consulting, identifies excessive on-street parking permits as a primary source of parking constraint in the NW district. The consulting firm argues that the increased demand for these permits has not only limited access for other user groups such as customers and visitors, but has also contributed to the area's congestion problem, causing visitors to circle blocks while searching for available parking.
The proposed increase aims to rectify this issue by bringing the price of residential parking in line with other modes of transportation, thereby establishing a more equitable system. The plan envisages a gradual increase that would match the cost of an annual TriMet pass by 2035, according to the Target/Goal-Base Pricing Chart.
Rick Williams Consulting, hired by PBOT to study the issue, posits that the current annual on-street parking permit fee of $195 is significantly underpriced. This undervaluation, they suggest, does a disservice to one of the most congested neighborhood/business districts in Portland. By setting permit pricing on par with the cost of an annual transit pass, the firm believes residential on-street parking and transit access can be placed on equal footing.
However, the sudden announcement of this potentially significant hike has stirred concerns among local residents. For many, the proposed rate is not just prohibitive, but could have severe implications on their daily lives and routines. The potential burden of such a dramatic increase has raised questions about the affordability of living in the district and the impact on the neighborhood's overall vitality.
The NW Parking SAC, which is tasked with advising the City on transportation and parking issues, is at the heart of this critical decision. Balancing their mission to support a full range of transportation options with the goals of maintaining neighborhood livability and economic vitality, this decision could shape the future of the district.
The committee recognizes the importance of community input in shaping policy decisions that directly impact the residents, and time for public comment has been made available, as it is for every meeting.
The upcoming meeting, to be held on May 17, 2023, at 4:30 pm, is a pivotal opportunity for community members to voice their thoughts and concerns. The meeting will be held via ZOOM, and interested parties can join at the link listed at the bottom of the page.
As the vote draws near, the stakes are high for the residents of Zone M. This decision has the potential to not only alter the cost of parking but could also significantly influence the district's overall livability and economic vitality. With this in mind, it is crucial for residents to engage in the process, attend the meeting, and make their voices heard. The outcome of this vote will undoubtedly set a precedent for future policy decisions, making community involvement more important than ever.