Parking authority readies HUD-backed Adams Garage work as council discusses enforcement and agency roles

Parking Authority Executive Director Eric Atkinson told the Finance Committee on June 17 that his office completed implementation of a new parking system for the Adams and Carpenter garages and is preparing to deploy an $850,000 HUD grant for Adams Garage improvements after the environmental review and HUD approval of the authority’s work plan.

“Once that's finally approved, then we can start spending that money and we have a list of projects that we're gonna be doing,” Atkinson said. He said the parking authority has submitted required plans and budgets to HUD and is awaiting final approval and cash flow steps to begin the work.

Councilors used the budget hearing to press broader policy questions about parking enforcement and integration with traffic control. Several councilors said enforcement and lines-and-signs funding are central to public safety and economic development; Councilor Lally urged study of whether the traffic commission and parking authority should be consolidated into a single regulatory body so permitting and parking decisions go to a single board. Atkinson provided revenue figures for licensing and permits in the general category (gross so far this year, about $1,052,364) and noted the authority’s focus on garage operations and special events.

Councilors also asked about jurisdiction for handicap/reserved parking and one-day event permits; the license commission chair and parking authority noted overlap and asked for clearer coordination on responsibilities.

No action to merge boards or reassign authority was taken; councilors asked staff to study coordination and to report back if more enforcement resources or reorganization would improve traffic safety and economic outcomes.