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Richard Piatt ReportingWith just a week until the Legislature begins, there are still a lot of questions about where everyone is going to park. Construction and new neighborhood restrictions have severely limited the available parking spots, but today there are some last-minute solutions being put in place:
Depending on whom you ask, this will either be a really big deal, or it's all overrated, but the reality is that there are many fewer parking spots because of the construction. We've already told you that some state employees will either telecommute, or park and work at the state fairgrounds.
Today UDOT crews were busy creating new spots, a few dozen on East Capitol boulevard. That will change the nature of that street. In addition, concrete is being poured for a new parking lot on the West side.
Still, the Capitol is short hundreds of spots. Even today a shuttle bus program is being finalized; details will come later. But some are still expecting frustration when the session gets crowded.
Pamela Atkinson, Homeless Advocate: "It's also very hard on the general public who want to come up here and testify and make a difference. And they get up here and there isn't a parking place for about half a mile. "
Adding to the parking woes are new parking restrictions in the nearby Capitol Hill neighborhood. It'll be one hour parking only without a residential permit, starting next week. Some of the construction workers have even agreed to park somewhere else and shuttle in.
There's been a mix of good and bad news about parking up there, and the bottom line is there will probably be chaos for about a week, until everyone catches on.
