May 2018

New York City Reserves Nearly 300 Parking Spaces for Car-Sharing Services

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 31, 2018

As if finding a parking space in New York wasn’t difficult enough, the city is taking 285 spaces away and reserving them for car-sharing services like Zipcar. The move is already infuriating New Yorkers, reports The New York Times.

This will be the first time that car-sharing services will be reserved parking spaces in the streets of the city, according to the newspaper. Currently, some companies keep cars in parking garages, but others allow users to leave cars parked on the street in designated areas. City officials say Reserving on-street parking for carpooling will encourage more people to use the services, reducing reliance on private cars and reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.

But New York City already has relatively low car ownership rates. Just under half of adults own a car, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation. This is well below the national average of 92%, note The New York Times. City officials say greater car-sharing availability is still needed to serve neighborhoods with limited transit infrastructure.

The 285 parking spaces are located primarily in low- and modest-income neighborhoods, according to The New York Times. The neighborhoods were chosen because they are currently poorly served by car-sharing services and have relatively few car parks. Of the designated car-sharing spaces, approximately 230 will be on streets and 55 on municipal land. Signs designating spaces reserved for Zipcar and Enterprise CarShare have already been put up and companies have been allowed to tow private vehicles.

Use of car-sharing services is on the rise, with about 1.4 million U.S. users in 2017, according to The New York Times. But in New York, parking spaces are as valuable as any other type of real estate. The city has already removed spaces in many neighborhoods for bike lanes and docks for the CitiBike bike-sharing program. But he didn’t give up on strict enforcement of parking rules, and there wasn’t exactly a surplus of street parking to begin with. Some drivers would also resent the city giving away public land for the exclusive use of private companies.

It’s unclear whether more carpooling will reduce traffic, but that may depend on how the services are used. A 2010 study of round-trip use found that one shared car could eliminate nine to 13 private cars. But Susan Shaheen, an assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Transportation Sustainability Research Center, said The New York Times that his research has shown that one-way car sharing does not significantly reduce traffic.

In New York, Zipcar and General Motors’ Maven service require users to return cars to designated parking lots or garages after a trip. Daimler’s Car2Go only requires users to leave cars in a designated “welcome area”, not a specific location. It was also BMW’s ReachNow policy, but the service withdraws from New York starting June 5.

New York has an extensive public transportation system, but that system, especially the subway, is widely criticized due to lack of maintenance and unreliable service. It remains to be seen whether the removal of parking spaces and the neglect of public transportation will really convince New Yorkers to take up carpooling.

Parking spaces

App-Based Startup Connects Seattle-area Commuters to Unused Parking Spaces

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 29, 2018

GarageHop is one of many companies trying to make better use of empty parking spaces in residential buildings. Up to 40% of parking spaces in multi-family apartment buildings in King County could be unused, according to a 2015 study.

When Helene Costa moved to Seattle with her husband in 2013, she noticed something about their new apartment building near Seattle Center.

Most of the parking spaces were empty. She didn’t think much about it. She had never owned a car in Paris.

But it stuck in her head for two years until she stumbled upon a statistic of one. old IBM study: About 30 percent of city traffic emissions come from cars used for parking.

Traffic Lab is a Seattle Times project that explores the region’s thorny transportation issues, highlights promising approaches to reducing congestion, and helps readers find the best ways to get around. It is funded with help from community sponsors Alaska Airlines, CenturyLink, Kemper Development Co., NHL Seattle, PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Seattle Times editors and reporters operate at arm’s length from our funders and maintain editorial control over content in Traffic Lab.

Learn more about Traffic Lab »| Follow us on twitter “

“I connected the dots,” said Costa. “I’m sure we could do better.

The following year, she co-founded GarageHop, a Seattle-based startup that connects commuters looking for parking with residential buildings that have space to spare.

GarageHop contracts with apartment buildings to rent excess parking spaces. Drivers then register online, pay a monthly fee, and unlock the garage with a smartphone app. GarageHop and the building owner both get a cut in revenue, though Costa declined to specify the breakdown.

Up to 40 percent of parking spaces in King County multi-family buildings could be unused, according to a 2015 study by the King County subway.

“We help property owners significantly increase their income from real estate by using an asset they are not using,” said Costa. “On the other hand, we’re helping Seattle people reduce the frustrating time they spend in their cars looking for a parking space.

Seattle’s recently passed parking regulation amendment – intended to make it easier to build homes without parking while making better use of existing parking – allows services like GarageHop to work in more parts of the city.

Previously, building owners could rent their excess parking spaces to non-residents, but only in downtown and other commercial areas. The new law allows building owners in most neighborhoods with multi-family dwellings to also rent their excess parking spaces.

GarageHop currently rents space in four residential buildings in Seattle and one in Kirkland, right next to South Kirkland Park-and-Ride. At $ 80 per month, renting a GarageHop space costs a lot more than free parking, but it does offer a guaranteed space. The 800 spaces and more in the relay park almost always fill up. It was 97 percent full in 2017.

GarageHop is not the only company to offer such services.

WhereiPark rents monthly locations at 21 locations in Seattle and seven in the Eastside.

And Diamond Parking partnered with King County Metro last year to rent parking spaces in parking lots and garages near busy transit lines. This program, with 15 different parking sites across the region, was started with a federal grant of $ 543,000.

Seattle and neighboring cities have long-standing policies to reduce the number of people driving alone to get to work. Increasing the availability of monthly parking is not the way to achieve this. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to discourage daily car trips is to charge for parking by the day rather than by the month.

Costa, who previously worked on climate change issues for the French Ministry of Sustainable Development, said they were working hard to provide parking near transit hubs and park-and-ride lots, like the Kirkland site.

“We don’t need more parking, on the contrary we need less, but we need our parking lot to be smart,” she said. “We will need them clustered in strategic locations.”

Uncategorized

Waterproofing of Concrete Parking Structures: A Comparison

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 28, 2018

All images courtesy of RJC engineers

By James Cooper, P.Eng., LEED AP O+M
Owners, engineers and contractors involved in the design, operation, maintenance and restoration of building parking garages and podium decks must understand the role and importance of waterproofing systems in protecting of these facilities. When these systems are not given proper attention, repair and maintenance costs increase and expected lifespans suffer.

Methods of protecting parking garages and podium platforms have evolved and changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Old ways of thinking and designing have given way to new understandings of deterioration mechanisms and protection needs, some of which are reflected in the new requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S413 standard, parking structures. Better understanding of how moisture and de-icing salts accelerate the deterioration of concrete and steel structures has encouraged growth in this sector. The long-term performance of these buildings is directly related to the effectiveness of the watertight barriers used to prevent contamination from moisture and de-icing salt, as well as the management of salt-laden water entering the facility.

By effectively protecting the structure and keeping the waterproofing systems in good condition, owners can slow the rate of deterioration and allow safe and uninterrupted use of the building for a long period of time. Protection of the structure also ensures the stability of the value of the asset by limiting deterioration and closures, and reduces long-term capital expenditure. On the other hand, the failure of waterproofing systems often leads to economic losses, including damage to building occupants’ vehicles, expensive structural repair costs, and lost opportunity during repair work due to closure. parking lots. A functional waterproofing system is therefore the first line of defense for any structure subjected to the use of vehicles and de-icing salts.

Understand their needs
Deciding to protect a structure with a waterproofing system is a simple and necessary step. However, it is more difficult to determine the specific sealing requirements to meet the needs of the long-term structure. It is important to understand the critical elements to look for in an effective waterproofing system.

Prevent leaks
The obvious purpose of a waterproofing system is to prevent the flow of water and dissolved salts into and through the structure onto vehicles or into the occupied space below. Special attention and effective detailing at termination points, drains, pipe penetrations, cracks and joints are required.

*An example of deterioration of a thick waterproofing system on a flat roof.*

Prevent chloride (salt) penetration at cracks
Almost all parking garage surfaces are concrete. With very few exceptions, concrete does one thing very well: cracking. An effective waterproofing system must therefore bridge cracks, which will open and close due to temperature changes and cyclic loads throughout the life of the structure. If the system cannot continue to fill cracks, it becomes an easy way for moisture and chlorides to bypass a surface applied waterproofing system.

Provide a non-slip surface
Slip resistance is important for vehicles and pedestrians when traversing a structure. The health and safety of users is adversely affected if a waterproofing system becomes slippery, when wet or over time. Therefore, both initial and long-term slip resistance mechanisms are required.

Provide a durable wear surface
A poorly designed sealing system can wear out with use or deteriorate due to specific environmental factors. Accelerated wear and tear can have a significant impact on performance and life. A sealing system must withstand the harsh environment in which it operates, maintain adequate functionality and meet its required life. Worn waterproofing can quickly lose its slip resistance, and deteriorated installations cannot effectively prevent the ingress of moisture and chloride into the structure. Critical areas with increased vehicle loading (for example loading docks, truck traffic areas, and driveways) often require more robust designs to meet similar lifespans as other areas.

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Uncategorized

Waterproofing concrete parking structures: a comparison

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 28, 2018

All images courtesy of RJC Engineers

By James Cooper, P.Eng., LEED AP O + M
Owners, engineers and contractors involved in the design, operation, maintenance and restoration of parking garages and building podium decks should understand the role and importance of waterproofing systems in protecting these facilities. When there is a lack of attention to these systems, repair and maintenance costs increase and the expected life suffers.

The methods of protecting parking garages and catwalks have evolved and changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Old ways of thinking and designing have given way to new understandings of deterioration mechanisms and protection needs, some of which are reflected in the new requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S413, Parking structures. The better understanding of how moisture and de-icing salts accelerate the deterioration of concrete and steel structures has encouraged growth in this sector. The long-term performance of these buildings is directly related to the effectiveness of the watertight barriers used to prevent contamination by moisture and de-icing salts, as well as the management of salt-laden water entering the building. installation.

By effectively protecting the structure and keeping waterproofing systems in good repair, homeowners can slow the rate of deterioration and allow safe and uninterrupted use of the building for an extended period of time. The protection of the structure also ensures the stability of the value of the asset by limiting deterioration and closures, and reduces long-term investment costs. On the other hand, the failure of waterproofing systems often leads to economic losses, including damage to vehicles of building occupants, costly structural repair costs, and lost opportunities during repair work due to the failure. closure of parking lots. A functional waterproofing system is therefore the first line of defense for any structure subjected to vehicle use and de-icing salts.

Understand your needs
Deciding to protect a structure with a waterproofing system is a simple and necessary step. However, determining the specific waterproofing requirements to meet the long-term needs of the structure is more difficult. It is important to understand the critical elements to look for in an effective waterproofing system.

Prevent leaks
The obvious purpose of a waterproofing system is to prevent the flow of water and dissolved salts into and through the structure onto vehicles or into the occupied space below. Careful attention and effective detailing at termination points, drains, pipe penetrations, cracks and joints is required.

Prevent chloride (salt) from entering cracks
Almost all parking garage surfaces are concrete. With very few exceptions, concrete does one thing very well: cracking. An effective waterproofing system must therefore fill cracks, which will open and close due to temperature changes and cyclic loads over the life of the structure. If the system cannot continue to fill cracks, it becomes an easy way for moisture and chlorides to bypass a surface applied waterproofing system.

Provide a non-slip surface
Slip resistance is important for vehicles and pedestrians as they pass through a structure. The health and safety of users is negatively affected if a waterproofing system becomes slippery, when wet, or over time. Therefore, both initial and long term slip resistance mechanisms are required.

Provide a durable wear surface
A poorly designed sealing system can wear out with use or deteriorate due to specific environmental factors. Accelerated wear and deterioration can have a significant impact on performance and life. A waterproofing system must withstand the aggressive environment in which it operates, maintain adequate functionality and meet the required service life. Worn waterproofing can quickly lose its slip resistance, and deteriorated installations cannot effectively prevent moisture and chloride from entering the structure. Critical areas with increased vehicle load (for example loading docks, truck traffic areas and traffic aisles) often require more rugged designs to meet similar lifespans to other areas.

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Parking spaces

San Diego Airport adds more parking with high-tech three-level garage

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 17, 2018

From Friday, travelers and visitors to the airport will be able to park in a new three-level garage a short walk from Terminal 2.

The culmination of a nearly two-year construction period, the 2,900-space, $ 127.8 million parking lot replaces a former surface lot located closest to Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport .

In addition to offering covered parking at rates identical to the hourly and daily rates of the old lot, the garage is equipped with a guidance system using LED panels and colored lights to alert motorists of vacant spaces.

While the garage will initially represent a net gain of 1,715 spaces, that gain will turn into a loss later this year when the airport undertakes another project – a combined freight, airline and airport maintenance facility that will occupy part long-term ground. where employees park now. These workers, in turn, will have to begin parking in the economy parking lot of Pacific Highway, which will be closed to the public.

The result will be a net loss of 230 seats available to the public, said Jonathan Heller, spokesperson for the San Diego Regional Airport Authority.

Even with the rise of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft that provide relatively affordable transportation to and from the airport, demand for on-site parking remains high, says April Boling, who chairs the board of directors of the Airport Authority. As an example, she pointed out the 450 valet parking spaces that are almost always full in the middle of the week.

“When we measured our customer satisfaction several years ago, the area where the flying public was least satisfied was parking and especially close-quarters parking,” said Boling. “So we understood the need for parking right next to the terminal and that’s what we built.

“And the people who park in that plaza don’t necessarily stay a whole day, some may pick up their loved ones in Wisconsin and they want to park up close – we call them meeters and greeters – and that’s a lot more than half of those who park in. They’re not as price sensitive because they don’t pay the $ 32 a day.

Another big chunk of those who park near the terminal are business travelers, many of whom fly to and from their destinations in a day or two, Boling added.

Rates start at $ 2.50 for the first 30 minutes, increase to $ 6 for a full hour, and increase in $ 2 increments thereafter.

A key feature of the parking area that airport officials say will resonate with the public is the system of guiding people to available spaces. As motorists enter the garage, there will be signage quantifying the number of unoccupied spaces on each floor, and each level will also have signs with the same information.

The guidance system, similar to what’s in place in the garage at UTC Westfield shopping center, also uses colored lights – green and red – directing motorists to available spaces. This system will increase over the next few weeks, said Marc Nichols, director of ground transportation at the airport.

There is also a smartphone app that allows people to reserve and pay for their seats in advance.

“I don’t think the garage will change the mix of travelers who use it, but it will be a lot more convenient,” Nichols said. “The fact that it has two covered floors will also be very appealing, especially for long-term travelers, and the fact that it has this guidance technology will make it much more efficient.”

Public artwork is incorporated into the design of the garage, including one consisting of brightly colored displays made from hundreds of resin airplane models. The design of the garage is also notable for its glass elevators.

The project is largely funded by revenues from parking and concessions. The current fiscal year budget estimates parking revenue at $ 40.6 million, which is expected to grow to $ 46 million in the next fiscal year, Heller said.

[email protected]

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg

Parking spaces

Mineola will add 900 parking spaces in two downtown garages

by Deena S. Hawkins on May 4, 2018

Mineola officials said Friday the village will house a pair of parking lots that will add at least 900 more spaces to a town center that has long lacked many parking options.

Mayor Scott Strauss said the parking garages were part of an agreement the village had with state officials and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In January 2016, the village met with officials from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office about the Long Island Rail Road’s upcoming third track project. During those discussions, village officials negotiated getting more parking spaces for its town center, Strauss said.

A 550-space garage will be at First Street and Third Avenue, Strauss said, and construction will begin around September. A schedule for the other garage has not been decided, but it will be on Second Street between Willis Avenue and Main Street and will have between 350 and 450 spaces, Strauss said.

Finding a downtown parking spot has long been a struggle for Mineola residents, in part because existing parking lots have to accommodate NYU Winthrop hospital employees and patients, commuters boarding trains at the station LIRR nearby, guests visiting downtown restaurants and apartment complex residents. Strauss said it’s easier to find a space downtown in the morning.

“It’s going to be a huge boost for our downtown,” he said. “There will be parking for everyone who comes, whether it’s shopping in the stores or visiting a loved one in hospital.”

The parking garages are part of Mineola’s larger plan to provide more spaces throughout downtown. In a study published in 2016, Old-Bethpage-based Level G Associates told village officials that the town center “experiences by far the highest imbalance between parking supply and demand in the village”. Tier G recommended several fixes for the area, including building a garage at First Street and Third Avenue.

Great Neck Mayor Jean Celender, who is also vice president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association, said parking lots can be a double-edged sword for villages because they alleviate parking problems, but they are also expensive to maintain. Celender noted that his village had a parking lot in 2000 that was leaking and started to collapse.

“So the word to Mineola is, it’s great to have a garage, but make sure it’s sealed with a special membrane and don’t put anything on that membrane,” Celender said.

Strauss said he was glad the MTA would build the First Street garage and actually wanted some unfilled spaces there.

“I hope the first three levels are empty because that means I have plenty of parking for anyone who wants to come to Mineola,” he said.

Khristopher J. Brooks is a Detroit native turned New Yorker who has been covering the town of North Hempstead since January 2017.