Commission delays decision on revoking valet lane at 601 12th Avenue South

The Metro commission on an informational hearing on Monday delayed action for one month on a request from NDOT to revoke a valet lane on the west side of 601 12th Avenue South.

Dirk Melton, representing Market Street Enterprises, told the commission the valet permit lapsed when the restaurant Saimbuca closed but said the landlord “does not intend to abandon valet operations at this location” and asked that any revocation be handled as temporary so curb space would remain usable by a future restaurant tenant.

NDOT staff explained that valet permits are not transferable and that, in practice, the signs are removed when an operator stops serving the location; “for the time being, it is not going to be signed as anything else. So it would become free parking until the valet is reapproved again,” NDOT staff said. Commissioners pressed staff on how revocations are identified and whether NDOT receives notifications from operators or other city entities when an operator ceases to operate.

Several commissioners said unsigned, free parking could create unwanted circling traffic and suggested alternative short-term uses, including a passenger loading or drop-off zone. NDOT said the engineering implications of converting the space to a loading zone would require study and that staff could return as soon as next month with options.

The commission voted by voice to defer the revocation consideration for one month and asked staff to report back with possible curb programming options and timing for reestablishing a valet if a new tenant signs.

The item was moved from the consent agenda for discussion after public comment by Market Street and will return to the commission at the date directed by staff.