We Biddeford property tax payers seriously question the value of the downtown parking survey conducted from Feb. 23 through March 16. A 16-day survey (not counting weekends) is hardly justification to conclude that we need a parking garage.
In addition:
Ӣ All attempts to see the survey(s) have failed.
”¢ This was a very tough winter, reference the amount of snow we had to deal with ”“ no parking for snow removal created a real negative impact for parking. Department of Public Works was repeatedly posting “NO PARKING FOR SNOW REMOVAL” all over/around downtown Biddeford.
”¢ Shuttlebus-Zoom Director Al Schutz was quoted as saying “housing development in the mill district ”“ there’s no parking ”“ it’s transient oriented development. The Millenial Generation (doesn’t) have cars. They want mass transit.”
Ӣ Only 43 (13 percent) out of the 330 people surveyed identified themselves as Biddeford residents.
”¢ 50 percent of those surveyed said “their experience remained the same.” Question is, what was their experience? Good or bad? Unfortunately, we can’t use this kind of information.
The article written (April 2) by Journal Tribune staff writer Angelo J. Verzoni, from information in the survey shows the following: Overall, 330 people took the survey (209 identified themselves as visitors of downtown Biddeford of which 96 percent or 200 people traveled by car; 80 percent or 167 people stayed less than two hours; 33 percent or 70 people found parking somewhat or very difficult; 33 percent or 70 people found parking very easy; 33 percent or 70 people found parking somewhere between easy and difficult; 50 percent or 104 people said their experience has remained the same (was it a good or bad experience)?; 40 percent or 83 people said parking has become more difficult; 10 percent or 21 people said parking has become easier.
At this time, the survey results, the downtown business community and the overwhelming majority of concerned taxpayers feel there is no evidence that suggest we need a parking structure/parking garage.
I will be surprised if anyone has the courage to approach a lending facility for a loan to build a parking structure with this survey data as justification.
In conclusion, let us work on making Main Street attractive. If we can achieve that, then we should see a significant increase in the volume of shoppers. Then, and only then, should we put the horse back in front of the cart. Building a parking structure/parking garage now is clearly placing the cart before the horse. I doubt the horse will push ”“ no more than Biddeford taxpayers will support the administration’s effort to build a parking garage.
Paul Therrien, Biddeford
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