Pease Park
Open the Parking Lots!
RECEIVED Mon., Oct. 9, 2006
Dear Editor,
What is going on between the Backyard music venue and the Shops at the Galleria in Bee Cave? We went to last week’s Bonnie Raitt and Keb' Mo' concert and were surprised to find dozens of security guards protecting the large, unused parking lots that now surround Austin’s gem of outdoor venues. Hundreds of people who were looking for a convenient parking space close to the show were told to leave the lots and follow a dark road to some remaining piece of unpaved land. Was I alone in my “silver-lining” thinking, back when the paving of paradise started, that at least the big-box stores with their big, black lots would alleviate some of the parking problems around the Backyard? It’s frustratingly ironic that they paved paradise, but you can’t park in the parking lots. Whatever beef is stewing between the owners of the Shops at the Galleria and those of the Backyard has produced an absurd lose-lose situation for Austinites. Obviously the retailers at the Shops need parking for their customers, but most of the shops are closed in the evening, and many are still vacant. Here’s an idea for management: Hire half as many parking-lot “attendants” to enforce a Backyard-friendly parking area that leaves adequate open parking for open stores and charge $5 per car for the close-in parking option. Part of the revenue can be used to cover expenses and the rest could be donated to a good Austin charity. Think of the positive marketing angle: "Park at the Shops while supporting the Austin Children's Shelter." A win-win solution can be developed, if you are willing to try.
What is going on between the Backyard music venue and the Shops at the Galleria in Bee Cave? We went to last week’s Bonnie Raitt and Keb' Mo' concert and were surprised to find dozens of security guards protecting the large, unused parking lots that now surround Austin’s gem of outdoor venues. Hundreds of people who were looking for a convenient parking space close to the show were told to leave the lots and follow a dark road to some remaining piece of unpaved land. Was I alone in my “silver-lining” thinking, back when the paving of paradise started, that at least the big-box stores with their big, black lots would alleviate some of the parking problems around the Backyard? It’s frustratingly ironic that they paved paradise, but you can’t park in the parking lots. Whatever beef is stewing between the owners of the Shops at the Galleria and those of the Backyard has produced an absurd lose-lose situation for Austinites. Obviously the retailers at the Shops need parking for their customers, but most of the shops are closed in the evening, and many are still vacant. Here’s an idea for management: Hire half as many parking-lot “attendants” to enforce a Backyard-friendly parking area that leaves adequate open parking for open stores and charge $5 per car for the close-in parking option. Part of the revenue can be used to cover expenses and the rest could be donated to a good Austin charity. Think of the positive marketing angle: "Park at the Shops while supporting the Austin Children's Shelter." A win-win solution can be developed, if you are willing to try.
Lynne Ovington
