Provo OKs parking-permit plan

PROVO — The first ordinance was too strict; the next one was too lax, but the Provo City Council voted Tuesday to establish a parking-permit program while they continue to look for an ordinance that is just right.

The vote was 5-2 to adopt the watered down version of an ordinance that would enforce on-street parking from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. in the North Joaquin Neighborhood. Originally, the permit program was going to enforce parking regulations 24-hours per day and require $2 visitor permits.

City Councilman George Stewart said the program will reduce traffic congestion and ensure Joaquin area residents a place to park.

"I don't see the downside or the negative," he said to a crowd of about 55. "I know some of you do."

During public comment, a number of landowners and Brigham Young University students voiced their grievances with the proposed plan. Kyle Robe, a BYU senior majoring in civil engineering, said nighttime parking isn't the problem.

"During the day is when all the headaches occur," he said, suggesting the council should explore options beyond a parking program. "You need to think parking structures."

Dan and Debbie Bishop, two Orem residents that own rental property in the Joaquin area, said they've never had students complain about finding parking at night. Dan Bishop also suggested the council reconsider its plan to issue more on-street parking permits than spaces available.

"We're not the airlines," he said. "We don't have the luxury of bringing another plane in — or extra parking spaces — in case we run out."

Kurt Peterson, neighborhood co-chairman of Joaquin Neighborhood, said a parking-permit program is long over due.

"Frankly, we're tired of being (BYU's) parking lot," he said.

Peterson also challenged assertions by some people that they have a right to park on public roads.

"There's no such thing as a right to park in the U.S. Constitution," he said.

After hearing public comment, Councilwoman Midge Johnson said she felt the council was "missing the mark" with the parking-permit program as it is currently drafted.

"I don't think we're addressing the real problem," she said.

Councilman Steve Turley called the plan "half-baked," saying he thought the council was going to implement a comprehensive plan that could include shuttle options.