This upcoming Saturday the good people of Galveston will vote on the question of ending free parking on the Galveston Seawall.
Above are campaign yard signs about this issue that I took pictures of over the past weekend.
From the Galveston County Daily News---
".....Charge up to $8 a day to park along the seawall or $25 for an annual pass. Hourly parking would be available at $1 an hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Up to 10 percent of income from the paid parking meters could be used for administrative costs, 15 percent would replace capital improvements and 75 percent of the income would go to seawall enhancements. The council has voted to use the parking revenue for showers, restrooms, litter control, neighborhood security and lighting. Finally, the proposal includes a sunset clause that would end paid parking seven years from the day collections start. If paid parking is beneficial, the council could extend the clause."
This is a matter for the people of Galveston to decide.
However, as someone who visited Galveston every six weeks or so for the nearly 13 years I've lived in Houston, I can say I'd be very willing to pay to park at the Seawall.
Galveston has the right to charge a modest fee to recoup the costs of maintaining and improving the Seawall. As much as I enjoy walking at the ocean in Galveston and walking on the Seawall, it is clear that it is a bare bones operation without even the most basic amenities such as a public restroom. The $8 daily fee or the $25 annual pass is affordable even to lower-income visitors. Many people visit the Seawall with friends and family. The cost of parking could easily be split between passengers in a vehicle.
Here is a list of improvements that seawall parking would fund as according to Blog.Galveston.com---
- Vehicular controls, management, and parking
- Sanitation and litter control
- Law enforcement/Neighborhood and Seawall Security
- Beach/dune system education
- Public facilities (restrooms, equipment rentals, picnic areas
- Recreational and refreshment facilities
- Wash off stations
- Necessary staff and personnel
Those are all important issues you listed but the meters is no way to go about addressing them. I wrote a full length article about the meters bill passing and what it will mean. I also listed the prices if you want to know. I expect they’ll go up. This is just to get one foot in the door. Here it is. I’d appreciate if you gave mine a read as well. I do not mind if you comment me with any opinion you would like to express. I am open to hear new ideas. The problem is these are old ideas that just won't work.
http://galvestoninterests.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/galveston-to-install-parking-meters-to-tax-citizens-8-per-day-as-local-business-pays-the-price/
It probably would be good for them, Neil, but Galveston politics are far from traditional and the citizens are wiser than they are given credit for. When you have time, ask me about the five families that really run Galveston and I will explain how they are woven into every single part of that island that makes a difference. The people of Galveston probably wouldn't mind the revenue, but anyone who has lived on the island for any length of time pretty much knows the score.
carguy--I would enjoy gambling on elections. Surely somebody in Galveston is making book on the outcome.
offshore---I recall my frustration when I voted no on the taxpayer-financed basketball arena in Houston, and how the issue came back a year later after it failed the first time. Thanks for the other side of the issue. Maybe I'm just grumpy that nobody in Galveston has ever invited me to a party.
Still, I think the revenue would be helpful for the island.
What are the polls saying???
Vegas says 7-5 against passage.
You forgot to mention, Neil, that the good people of Galveston have decided on this matter. There have been two votes before this one and the answer was no. If they don't vote your way, just call for as many votes as it takes to get the results you want, right? Sounds ridiculous to me but it looks like it might just work for Galveston's fine city counsil.
The residential parking permit process is going to be a pain in the arse, not to mention the complications that will arise when an islander decides to throw a party and invite guests from out of town.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story/221722