Last week, representatives from Hudson Business Coalition [HBCi] and its member businesses participated in stakeholder interviews with a consultant from Fishbeck, the firm tapped by the City of Hudson to conduct its ‘Parking Improvement Feasibility Study.’
We provided input on the needs, challenges, and opportunities regarding parking and intra-city transport that are most relevant to Hudson business owners, as well as residents and visitors.
The City describes the purpose of the parking study as such:
The City of Hudson is proposing a Parking Improvement Feasibility Study to address a critical infrastructure deficit in the city. A lack of long-term, short-term, daily and hourly parking is adversely impacting the ability of residents and visitors to access Columbia Memorial Hospital, the central business district, recreation sites, public service centers, and other important destinations in the city. Without accessible parking options, people will be less likely to stop, stay, and invest resources in Hudson, and residents will face increasingly frustrating parking options. Visitors and residents will be less likely to benefit from city services.
The Study will analyze the current situation and create a framework for safer, more accessible parking throughout the city. A Final Plan will include recommendations for new/improved parking policies/regulations based on analysis of existing conditions, projection of future needs, evaluation of potential sites, and Smart Growth/Complete Streets/Age Friendly Community principles such as effective wayfinding and bicycle/pedestrian-friendly design.
The results of the survey, as well as Fishbeck’s recommendations for improvements, will be presented before Hudson’s Common Council and the general public later this year.
Hudson Business Coalition thanks the Mayor’s office for including us and our stakeholders in these initial interviews.
HBCi continues to advocate for programs and solutions that strengthen Hudson’s business environment, and makes the city a better place to live.