Boulder Junction explores strategies to optimize Depot Square Garage usage

In the heart of Boulder Junction, city officials gathered to discuss the future of parking and transportation management, a topic that resonates deeply with local businesses and residents alike. The recent meeting of the Boulder Junction Access District’s TDM & Parking Joint Commissions revealed a pressing need to address the challenges of parking availability and utilization in the area.

One of the central themes of the discussion was the concept of paid parking, which has been a longstanding strategy in Boulder’s commercial districts. Officials emphasized the importance of validating parking for customers, a program currently successful in downtown Boulder, and expressed a desire to extend similar initiatives to other managed parking areas. The idea is to create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors while balancing the needs of local businesses.

A notable point raised during the meeting was the potential for a temporary period of free parking to stimulate business growth in the district. This proposal aims to draw in customers during a critical transition period, allowing businesses to establish themselves before reinstating paid parking. The discussion highlighted the historical context of parking in Boulder, noting that the introduction of paid parking in 2007 coincided with a significant shift in land use and commercial activity.

The focus then shifted to the Depot Square Garage, which currently has 390 parking spaces but has been underutilized, averaging only 17% occupancy. Stakeholders pointed out that the garage's low usage could be attributed to the cessation of RTD services in 2020, which is expected to resume soon. The underutilization presents an opportunity for the city to better align parking availability with the needs of the district, especially given the 182,000 square feet of vacant commercial space.

To address these challenges, city staff proposed several recommendations. One suggestion was to purchase 75 parking spaces from RTD, which would free up more permits for local businesses and residents. Another idea was to pilot an overselling strategy for garage permits, capitalizing on the fact that not all permit holders use their spaces daily. Additionally, improving signage and integrating real-time parking availability tools were highlighted as essential steps to enhance the user experience for both residents and visitors.

As the meeting concluded, it became clear that the path forward for Boulder Junction involves a careful balance of innovative parking solutions and community engagement. The discussions not only reflect the immediate needs of the district but also set the stage for a more vibrant and accessible Boulder Junction in the future. With the right strategies in place, the city aims to transform its parking landscape into one that supports local businesses while accommodating the growing demands of its residents and visitors.