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Traffic study finds modest trip increases; board requires shuttle plan to address parking concerns
Summary
A traffic study submitted for the 49 Newport Hotel expansion estimated modest peak‑hour increases (AM ≈ +25 trips; PM ≈ +47 trips; Saturday ≈ +52) and concluded no material roadway degradation, but the board attached a condition requiring a written shuttle action plan after residents raised concerns about parking shortfalls.
Traffic consultant Paul Bannon presented a traffic and parking assessment using the ITE trip generation methodology and existing on‑site operation data. He estimated the expansion’s additional vehicle trips as modest and said the proposed access changes (reopening an America’s Cup right‑in/right‑out for valet/drop‑off and preserved 168 spaces) would not degrade intersections within 200 feet of the site.
Several public commenters and board members worried the city’s downtown parking supply, especially on busy summer days, may not absorb any unanticipated spillover. The Brick Market Condo Association noted the arithmetic in the application could leave a shortfall during peak periods. In response, applicant representatives described on‑site parking management (paid/reserved spaces, valet), potential shuttles, and transient marina strategies to reduce car trips. The board required the applicant to submit a written shuttle action plan as a condition of the variances and special‑use approval.
Board members also imposed an on‑site delivery window (5 a.m.–12 p.m.) on Market Square to reduce midday curb congestion and asked staff to continue TRC review of parking operations and signage.
