Parking in the City Center currently is not adequate to accommodate growth. There are surface parking lots and small garages throughout the downtown area, as well as on-street parking. The existing parking cannot handle increased community or commercial activity. The parking at the “Hub” approaches the quantity necessary for commercial use, but the suburban style layout is inconsistent with the urban fabric; it detracts from the appearance and appeal of the City Center.

In order to achieve a successful new environment located within an urban setting, safe parking in sufficient quantity must be incorporated within the confines of the redeveloped area. But safety and quantity are not the only considerations. The parking must also respond to the need to maintain an urban setting – a setting with buildings located at the street, forming a comfortable pedestrian streetscape space. In general, land areas must be developed that are large enough to provide adequate surface parking at the interior of large blocks. Parking at the street must also be included to ensure activity at the storefronts.

In order to support retail, dining and entertainment, there must be ample surface parking within close proximity to the building entrances in order to attract contemporary tenants and sustain the level of activity necessary for them to succeed.

For office uses as well as regional transportation centers, secured parking is critical to a successful overall plan. Parking to meet these needs can be accommodated in parking structures. These parking structures can also act as overflow parking for retail venues.

Parking for housing must be adjacent to the housing. It must be situated so there is a sense of control and security. Generally, this need can be met through smaller parking areas and parking on the street.

The material on this page is reproduced from "Meriden City Center Initiative - A Comprehensive Plan for Revitalization" prepared by BL Companies, released 07/24/2002. All rights reserved.

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