New parking system proposal
City officials replace earlier request with ‘Smart Parking’ plan expected to be implemented in two phases, beginning in April
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Last month the city issued a request for a proposal seeking a paid parking system and management services.
Earlier this week, however, the city retracted the initial proposal, issuing a new one called Smart Parking Management Strategy & Implementation, because the actual intent of the first plan was “to ascertain the possibilities of a smart parking system to solve the city’s parking issues.”
The new request includes specific technology requirements, a creative financial model with options, a phased approach, investment of revenues into parking infrastructure and an overall study to assess the cities immediate and long term needs.
“In an effort to try and imple-
ment some of the recommendations of the Parking Task Force, we wanted to issue an RFP that would study our issue and suggest options to help people move around the city easier,” Mayor Meg Kelly said in a statement. “Integrating technology was always the goal of any parking RFP, this new Smart Parking RFP clarifies any confusion that the original RFP might have created.”
The request provides data from the Parking Task Force, established in 2016, including approximately 1,288 public parking spots among three parking garages and public parking lots, 1,302 public owned on-street parking spots and more than 2,600 noncity owned and managed parking spots between the Saratoga Springs Public Library and private off-street parking.
“Throughout this entire process as we’ve been meeting with the engineering department to create an RFP with smart parking solutions and integrating technology into our parking system, the prior title of the RFP and mention of paid parking was disconnected with the actual goals,” Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco said in a statement. “This entire process is in it’s infancy we need to look at all options, get input from the public and business leaders, and move forward conscientiously.”
The plan is expected to be implemented in a twophase approach, first with a parking supply/demand analysis followed by design and implementation of a management strategy.
The city plans to open the RFP on April 3, while awarding the project May 1. The City Council anticipates a kick-off meeting at City Hall on May 8.
A parking study will then be performed beginning in early May and ending in mid August to obtain an accurate sample.
For Phase 2, the city anticipates incorporating Smart Parking Technology, which includes technology for city residents and guests to view parking locations and availability through a mobile application or website.
“It’s 2018, and time to leverage new technologies with creative solutions to solve long-standing transit and parking issues in our city,” Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan said. “Our goal is to offer residents and visitors an experience that uses technology to move people through our city with ease, park and enjoy our many city amenities.
“We’re working toward being a smart city and connected parking solutions brings us one step closer to that goal.”
Council members outlined their desire that the RFP bring an experienced consultant to work for the city, study parking, and offer suggestions on solving long-term parking issues in the downtown corridor.
The Smart Parking RFP is available for review here http:// www.saratoga-springs. org/DocumentCenter/ View/7692?bidId=159