<
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/02/1221366173/u-s-cities-drop-parking-space-minimums-development>
'The city council in Austin, Texas recently proposed something that could seem
like political Kryptonite: getting rid of parking minimums.
Those are the rules that dictate how much off-street parking developers must
provide — as in, a certain number of spaces for every apartment and business.
Around the country, cities are throwing out their own parking requirements –
hoping to end up with less parking, more affordable housing, better transit,
and walkable neighborhoods.
Some Austinites were against tossing the rules.
"Austin has developed as a low density city without adequate mass
transportation system," said resident Malcolm Yeatts. "Austin citizens cannot
give up their cars. Eliminating adequate parking for residents will only
increase the flight of the middle class and businesses to the suburbs."
But much more numerous were voices in support of eliminating the minimums and
the impact they've had on housing costs, congestion, and walkability.
"I think our country has used its land wastefully, like a drunk lottery winner
that's squandered their newfound wealth," said resident Tai Hovanky. "We
literally paved paradise and put up a parking lot."
The amendment sailed through the council — making Austin the biggest city in
the country to eliminate its parking mandates citywide.'
Via Kenny Chaffin.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
