Three young women navigated the west sidewalk of 18th Street last Friday evening. The one in front says to her friends behind her, "Last time we were down here, I was thinking I might like to live here." The Friday night scene was crackling, with loud music filling the air and cars filling the streets. "Yeah," says her friend, "but you'd need a place with a driveway. There's actually a lot more of them than I thought." The third woman says, "You wouldn't have much of a back yard." The trio ... RaisedByTheRiver Marion Millin comment-16521 2009-10-28T00:57:14Z 2009-10-28T00:57:14Z Your endorsement of street cars is most convincing, including in the excellent K Street 10 Step Plan you published here. Points well taken about noise, etc. on the "trollops." For this discussion, they might do: to encourage more widespread use of various parking and transit options available via the trolley; increase visitors' awareness of the area (maybe even awareness that people actually live here) instead of Point A to Point B trips from outside Midtown; help them expand their comfort zone and actually walk the streets; benefit more businesses by that increased spread of people throughout the area, not just from Granite Bay to valet. Marion Millin 2009-10-28T00:57:14Z William Burg comment-16504 2009-10-27T22:09:27Z 2009-10-27T22:09:27Z When someone pays for them. RT is seriously strapped for operating capital, so little that bus service is being cut while fares go up. If Downtown Partnership and MBA, or the city government, levied a surcharge to pay for the operations cost, we could certainly have trolley buses operating at night. However, those buses have some limitations--for starters, they arent' trolleys. Sure, they're kind of quaint and cute, but quaintness is not an inherent property of streetcars. A better answer is an investment in a fixed streetcar line. It's cheaper than light rail and can be built faster, their size and speed is compatible with car traffic, it can replace buses on the same route, and, best of all, its course is far more predictable than that of a bus. People also tend to like streetcars better than buses (even buses faked up to resemble trolleys,) making it easier to attract "choice riders" who might otherwise drive. Modern streetcars have low floors for ADA access without ramps, air conditioning, and can even be equipped for Wi-Fi. A lot of streetcar fans call those buses "trollops." They don't handle well so the ride is bumpy, the wooden seats are uncomfortable, they're diesel powered so they are louder and stinkier than streetcars (and CNG powered buses) and I don't think they are air-conditioned. They don't run often enough or predictably enough to attract impulse riders, and choice riders avoid them. They're good for local tour groups, who show up at a common place at a common time for a trip around town, but they're not so good for regular public transit. William Burg 2009-10-27T22:09:27Z Marion Millin comment-16465 2009-10-27T05:59:24Z 2009-10-27T05:59:24Z Great story about Schwab. When is RT going to break out the trolley buses they never use at night, to help in these efforts? Marion Millin 2009-10-27T05:59:24Z William Burg comment-16463 2009-10-27T05:45:15Z 2009-10-27T05:45:15Z While I favor making better use of at least some of those private lots, I definitely prefer more public transit to more auto-centric development. Large parking structures have a big effect on residential/mixed neighborhoods like Midtown, and there is a limit to how many one can build--but a streetcar could help connect neighborhoods together, and make it easier (and safer!) for people to get from a parking place to where they're hoping to get. Lighting, signage etc. are definitely needed, but the business community has to step up and provide at least some of that--private lots need bigger, lit signs, business PBIDs have to pay for streetlights the city can't afford (or at least leave their business lights on later to light the sidewalk) and set up both parking-validation programs and maybe even free streetcar token programs for local businesses. A friend who worked on Portland's streetcars mentioned that one of the biggest opponents was a Les Schwab tire store, about as auto-centric a business as one could find. They gave Schwab 1000 free streetcar tokens to give to customers. Turns out waiting customers LOVED being able to hop on the streetcar and shop while their tires were being replaced, and Schwab now buys tokens for that purpose. William Burg 2009-10-27T05:45:15Z Marion Millin comment-16462 2009-10-27T05:40:38Z 2009-10-27T05:40:38Z All very good points, Thank you. Regarding safety, how many would support valets if they knew their vehicles were being parked, not only in the streets but in the alleys and in those other substandard lots you mentioned? And why is the City of Sacramento allowing it? Marion Millin 2009-10-27T05:40:38Z Shawn Eldredge comment-16453 2009-10-27T03:42:45Z 2009-10-27T03:42:45Z some tidbits or food for thought . many of the private lots that are bieng under used do not meet proper standards(city surface parking lot ordinance) to be used by the public , ( less restrictive for valets use ) & the cost is prohibitive to make them meet the ordinacne ( lighting , landscaping , water drainage etc... as far as the crime comment , i believe marion and you mentioned the solutions along the way (as did MBA's hospitality zone study) make it safe !! light it , increased directional signage , increase patron knowledge, If it is percieved to be safe there will be mroe market driven alternative activities in the inner city , theatre , arts family oriented retail etc. clean and safe is the best marketing tool ever... & on a truly environmental note if we continue to enable cars people will never take public transit, nor invest in it... ( btw i am a big advocate of creating free inner city transportation as in other similar cities. I believe this will help business & its employees, lower dui arrests, free up valuable parking,keep loud patrons out of the neighborhoods etc. etc. ) Shawn Eldredge 2009-10-27T03:42:45Z William Burg comment-16405 2009-10-26T21:02:47Z 2009-10-26T21:02:47Z Typically, "security by design" in its mixed-use application includes a diverse mixture of businesses, rather than just bars and bar-oriented restaurants. They generate a lot of sales tax revenue, but also a lot of problems; their intoxicated patrons can inadvertently contribute to neighborhood crime (drunken brawls, drunk driving) and attract outside crime in the form of predators seeking drunks to roll. The end result can scare off potential residents--seeing behavior that they would not tolerate in their own neighborhoods does little to advertise a neighborhood's livability, and tries the patience of those who live there. The consultants paid by Midtown Business Association to assess Sacramento nightlife issues made those points quite clear; hopefully they listen to that advice. William Burg 2009-10-26T21:02:47Z Marion Millin comment-16395 2009-10-26T19:25:53Z 2009-10-26T19:25:53Z William, you've hit a key point. Do visitors bring -- or develop -- some street smarts with them? Do the city and business community create a familiar (and foreign to Midtown) mall type atmosphere of noise/lights/activity overload to encourage oblivious assumptions of safety? Where is the balance point? Some of the newer businesses with affluent clients, returning to their cars all liquored up, have drawn more crime, not less. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T19:25:53Z Marion Millin comment-16389 2009-10-26T18:06:04Z 2009-10-26T18:06:04Z SaveMidtown, thanks and thanks for the heads up on the valet Council item. "Valet parking must be used in in conjunction with evening enforcement of the Residential Permit program, more widespread use of resident only parking in highly impacted parts of Midtown, and paying to park on most residential streets for non-residents into the late evening hours." Really good points, pointing toward a more balance solution than the current overimpaction on certain blocks. "The Valet ordinance going to council this week makes it illegal for Valet parking operators to use street parking and gives parking services some teeth to enforce the ordinance." While they are enforcing, they can also sweep the illegally parked cars out of the alleys. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T18:06:04Z William Burg comment-16383 2009-10-26T17:43:37Z 2009-10-26T17:43:37Z It's safer than it used to be when there were fewer activity spots in the central city; I too have been mugged downtown, in 1993 when I didn't have very good city instincts. Walking around the central city at night does require awareness of one's surroundings; I take the advice of people like Massad Ayoob and other self-defense specialists and keep myself in "Condition Yellow" when doing so. I watch my back, look around corners, and have self-defense tools at hand. I don't listen to headphones, check my email, or otherwise inhibit my ability to pay attention to my surroundings. I also stick to routes that are well-lit and populated whenever possible--a big plus to Sacramento's growing level of evening activity is that open stores, crowds of people and lit sidewalks are far safer than quiet, empty streets with lots of dark places for bad guys to lie in wait. Part of the return to the central city is greater public safety by design--more people living downtown means more eyes on the street, more people on the street, and more people concerned about the well-being and safety of the central city after the state workers go home. The people who come from the suburbs, who don't maintain that kind of defensive posture, more easily become victims. That is why Second Saturdays have become the big crime nights: the predators look for drunk suburbanites, those unused to keeping their eyes open--easy targets. As Sacramentans become more used to the dangers (as well as the benefits) of city life, hopefully more will become aware and take steps to avoid being victimized. William Burg 2009-10-26T17:43:37Z William Burg comment-16382 2009-10-26T18:09:11Z 2009-10-26T18:09:11Z Jim: Yes, but I put more miles on my shoes than my car--I drive maybe 3000 miles a year. Much of the central city's parking is in state lots of privately owned lots in alleys. There isn't much FREE parking in the central city, because, as with most things, "free" means "someone else is paying for it." If you don't mind plunking down your fair share, parking downtown is easy. If you're insistent on mooching parking that someone else is paying for, it's a little harder. Parking is a limited, valuable resource--so valuable that people can and should pay for it. But there are many lots that are vacant after their offices close. If the owners of those lots started renting out their lots for evening and late-night parking, they would add thousands of parking spaces to the mix. With those lots off limits, parking can get pretty crunchy. If they were to realize the money to be made, and "free" parking de-incentivized through later parking enforcement, parking downtown would get even easier, at least for those willing to pay for it. Marion: It's a metaphorical rolling up of the sidewalks--the assumption during much of the 20th century (in many cities, Sacramento among them) was that downtowns were not fit for people to live, and actively discouraged late-night activity. Street parking policies that don't extend past 6:00 PM are based on the assumption that nobody wants to park there in the evening--a statement that flies in the face of the reality you see on your block in the evening. We're a 16 hour city now, at least in spots--but many want to pretend that we aren't, because they don't want to pony up a few bucks for parking when they're out dropping a few C-notes on expensive wine, expensive meals, and expensive coffee. William Burg 2009-10-26T18:09:11Z Marion Millin comment-16381 2009-10-26T17:36:16Z 2009-10-26T17:36:16Z The article is describing Midtown areas of increased business, increased activity, increased traffic with decreased parking. More people walking around more in these areas increases public safety. Weening people off the valet parking and making public parking more available/attractive will help. Other suggestions in the article and William Burg's comment will help. People carrying guns will not. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T17:36:16Z Marion Millin comment-16380 2009-10-26T17:28:34Z 2009-10-26T17:28:34Z Mr. Burg, you're the historian. How did they "roll up the sidewalks"? I've heard of it, but never seen a demonstration. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T17:28:34Z The Parrhesiac comment-16357 2009-10-26T17:16:32Z 2009-10-26T17:16:32Z I don't mind walking around downtown...but at night you do take your life in your own hands. I've been robbed and stabbed downtown and have had three friends murdered randomly. One of the answers to lowering crime and keeping downtown safe is the issuance of CCW permits.. The Parrhesiac 2009-10-26T17:16:32Z The Parrhesiac comment-16355 2009-10-26T17:14:06Z 2009-10-26T17:14:06Z William Burg you are on crack if you think there is plenty of parking in the Central City. Do you even own a car? The Parrhesiac 2009-10-26T17:14:06Z William Burg comment-16347 2009-10-26T05:56:07Z 2009-10-26T05:56:07Z Indeed...there is plenty of parking in the central city, it's just a matter of finding it...and much of it is off limits because they are private lots whose owners don't realize the increased demand now that Sacramento's central city doesn't roll up the streets at 5:00 PM. William Burg 2009-10-26T05:56:07Z Marion Millin comment-16343 2009-10-26T19:15:21Z 2009-10-26T19:15:21Z info relevant to 10/27 City Council agenda item on Valet Parking: http://sacramento.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=8&event_id=94&meta_id=186104 Recommendation: Adopt 1) an Ordinance adding Chapter 10.46 to the Sacramento City Code relating to valet parking; 2) a Resolution establishing permit fees for valet parking. Contact: Dean Fujimoto, Operations General Supervisor, 808-5579, Transportation Department. Ordinance Amendment:  Valet Parking Rationale for Recommendation: Permits for the operation of a valet parking service are currently issued pursuant to City Code section 12.12. This section generally governs encroachment permits. As section 12.12 does not specifically address valet parking, there are no standards governing valet parking operations. Based on feedback and support from various community groups (e.g. Midtown Business Association, valet operators, Neighborhood Advisory Group, Old Sacramento Business Association Board, etc.), this Valet Ordinance was developed with input and support from the community. Both the Midtown Business Association and the Old Sacramento Business Association Board have submitted letters of support for the Valet Ordinance. The Valet Ordinance is consistent with the Central City Parking Master Plan in providing more specific parking requirements and further defining the valet application and permitting processes. In addition, the Valet Ordinance will provide a more fair and equitable administration and enforcement process for valet permits and valet operations. This will better support the businesses and the residents by ensuring greater availability of on-street parking. This ordinance will also help to ensure the safety of our community with preapproved traffic plans as part of the permitting process. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T19:15:21Z Marion Millin comment-16342 2009-10-26T04:17:03Z 2009-10-26T04:17:03Z It sounds like, along with better lighting, some better outreach is in order. For example, those three women in the story might have benefitted from parking in the East End Garage and weren't aware of that option. I've noticed driving by it at night that the lighting and signage are completely inadequate to draw significant parking customers from 18th and L/Capitol. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T04:17:03Z savemidtown comment-16341 2009-10-26T04:17:22Z 2009-10-26T04:17:22Z Great piece - I agree with most of what you say here, but I think well managed Valet parking is part of the solution. Yes it's convenient because street parking shouldn't be if residents have priority. Valet parking must be used in in conjunction with evening enforcement of the Residential Permit program, more widespread use of resident only parking in highly impacted parts of Midtown, and paying to park on most residential streets for non-residents into the late evening hours. The cumulative effect of parking waivers has been a nightmare for Midtown residents and businesses alike. Waivers do a disservice to business owners too as their employees and customers are left with few parking options. It's bad for everyone, especially residents. Like the zoing map, a parking map would be equally complex. It's hard which is why it has not yet been done. The Valet ordinance going to council this week makes it illegal for Valet parking operators to use street parking and gives parking services some teeth to enforce the ordinance. Alleys are the buffer - the alley I live on has a few alley fronting apartments which is why my alley is one of the better ones in midtown - but in commercial areas alleys are even more important because their dumsters are very smelly and the very loud trash trucks come several times a week - that is no quality of life for a residential tentant. savemidtown 2009-10-26T04:17:22Z Marion Millin comment-16340 2009-10-26T04:09:54Z 2009-10-26T04:09:54Z Thanks, advocate. The overheard conversation pointed them out, so well. Marion Millin 2009-10-26T04:09:54Z advocate comment-16338 2009-10-26T03:49:59Z 2009-10-26T03:49:59Z Great article, Marion. The realities of considering moving to midtown. The realities of once a person moves here and the realities of why people move. Thanks for pointing them out! Most don't want to hear them. advocate 2009-10-26T03:49:59Z