Belmont Shore parking study results to be released September 1

The findings of a $100,000 parking study in Belmont Shore will be revealed on Sept. 1 at a meeting with the consultants performing the work.

Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price originally scheduled the public meeting for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Bay Shore Community Congregational Church, 5100 The Toledo. But the Plaing Commission study session on the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEASP) is at 5 p.m. the same night, so the parking meeting has moved to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept 1. It still will be at the Bay Shore church.

The City Council originally requested the parking study in 2014, after the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Advisory Commission aounced it was considering buying a house next to the Second Street alley for a parking lot. That proposal was dropped.

Walker Parking Consultants won the contract last October. It was decided that any study must cover eight months, including a Second Street special event and the period when Bay Shore Avenue is closed during the day. The study area is bounded on the north by Livingston Drive and The Toledo, and west of Bay Shore Avenue, including the beach parking lots.

At the meeting, consultants will share the data collected so far, as well as their observations and impressions while doing the study. The next task is using the information gathered to put together recommendations to enhance parking for the business district while reducing parking impacts on residential areas.

Eventually, Price said, a Parking Management Plan for Belmont Shore will be developed. That plan must receive approval from the Plaing Commission and City Council before any of its components can be implemented.