Magnolia Grove Residents Discuss Implementing
Residential Permit Parking
Magnolia Grove residents who attended the Civic Association
meeting on November 10th were presented with information on the City of Houston
Parking Management's Residential Permit Parking Program. This program was being
presented as a possible solution to the problems with increased parking on
weekend evenings. The influx of parking spillover from the club traffic on
Washington Avenue has many streets within 3 blocks of Washington filled to
capacity, making navigating down streets nearly impossible if not dangerous.
According to the Parking Management website at www.houstonparking.org, "By servicing and maintaining almost 5,800 on-street parking spaces across the Greater Houston area, Parking Management creates sound regulations for all commercial and residential areas enhancing pedestrian safety, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic, and allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations. Loading zones are established to provide space for dropping off or picking up goods without blocking the flow of traffic, while mobility, or “diamond,” lanes provide an additional travel lane to expedite the movement of traffic during peak periods. Parking Management encourages parking awareness while supporting public transit initiatives."
The program includes residents purchasing Residential Permit decals, which cost $20 annually, and no limit to the number of decals. Additional permits for guests and service vehicles can also be purchased for as low as $1 with limitations. Residents will be able to purchase permits through either a website or in person at the Parking Management's offices.
The Residential Permit Parking Program is a process that begins with an application process. The designation process begins when a resident or resident group volunteers to educate fellow residents and circulate the permit area application. Each resident on the block then files the application and signed petition with Parking Management. From this point traffic and parking surveys are conducted. A public hearing notice is sent to area residents, followed by a vote on the application by City Council. If designated, residents then apply for permits. Permit parking becomes effective 60 days after the Council's approval designation. The entire process can take about six months.
Members of the civic association after some discussion decided to hold a two-hour meeting on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to discuss the area parking and make suggestions to the Parking Management. All Magnolia Grove residents are welcome to attend the meeting. The meeting's location has not been announced and will be posted on this site.