The idea of another parking garage in Uptown has been batted around for several years as to whether or not it’s needed. The city of Sedona has taken a step to answer that question.

The city recently hired the firm of Walter P. Moore, out of Houston, to complete a needs assessment, siting and design concept assessment for a parking facility or facilities to serve the tourist district. 
“The consultant will analyze the current land use and parking conditions of the Uptown District and make recom­mendations for alternatives that accommodate current and future parking needs,” Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Karen Osburn said.

“The consultant will also provide recommendations for the use of in-lieu parking fees to allow businesses in the Uptown District to reduce the number of required on-site spaces by contributing to a dedicated fund to develop shared parking in this area.” 
The study is being done in conjunction with the Community Focus Area planning for Uptown. It has also been identified by the Uptown Parking Advisory Committee as a high priority for the reinvestment of paid parking meter revenues, Osburn said regarding why it’s now being considered. 

Staff is managing the project, with input from the UPAC. The consultant has already done interviews with a variety of Uptown stakeholders and stakeholder groups. It has also surveyed employers and employees to obtain additional informa­tion about parking habits and needs. 

As for location, Osburn did not give any specifics but said a number of sites are being evaluated, both privately and publicly owned. 
The consultant costs are estimated at $75,000 and will be funded using paid parking revenue. In terms of the cost of a parking garage, Osburn said a dollar estimate has not been deter­mined. But, during the recent Transportation Master Plan, it was estimated that each parking space would cost $25,000, not including land costs. 

“The preference would be to have it be free, but that has not been determined yet and will be determined to some extent based on ability to fund a facility without that revenue source,” she said regarding whether there will be a fee to park.  When asked about the need for a parking garage in Uptown, Osburn said, “That is what the consultant is looking at based on current and future projected parking demand.”