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Parking shortage and to a lesser extent, traffic congestion were the most commonly cited problems during the stakeholder interviews. But what are the subsequent effects and impacts of these problems? Why are stakeholders concerned?

Parking | Congestion

Perceived Problem: Parking Shortage

• Increased parking costs: As parking spaces become less and less available, parking becomes more and more costly. The parking shortage will drive up the costs of parking for both the drivers and the employers. Drivers in the downtown area especially will have to pay more to park at the lots, garages, and the meters. Employers also incur additional expenses as the parking facility costs increases.
• Less developable land: The shortage of parking space will also lead to increased demand for building more lots and garages. These parking structures and lots however, take away valuable real estate, leaving little land for future development.

 Impacts

• Fewer businesses/development: The shortage of developable land coupled with increased land and facility costs can deter a new business from locating in Providence. Existing businesses can also decide to relocate from the city, opting for an area that is less costly. Additionally, future expansion or development becomes limited because parking lots have taken up developable land.
• Decreased market base: High parking costs make it more difficult for businesses/institutions to increase their market base (eg. customers, students, employees, visitors). If parking is costly or in short supply, people will choose to go elsewhere for their shopping, work, or school. Additionally, high parking costs limit the market base to those who can afford the parking. The poor, then, have fewer opportunities to the same jobs, stores, housing, and school.
• Low employee recruiting/retention rate: High costs of parking can also contribute to employee dissatisfaction, and ultimately lead to higher employee turnover. Employers will also find it harder to attract new employees.
• Poor community relationship: In the case of Brown University, frustration over the parking problems has led to tensions between the community and the university. In some cases, the bad community relationship has led to lawsuits, costing both sides thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Perceived Problem: Congestion

 Effect

• Limited external access: Prolonged congestion on access roads, such as I-195 and I-95, will limit access to the city. When congestion becomes severe, access to the city is restricted. Traveling in and out of the city then becomes increasingly difficult.
• Decreased internal mobility: As congestion increases, traffic is slowed and the travel time to destination is increased. Commuters become increasingly frustrated and stressed as they waste time in stop and go traffic.

 Impacts

• Low employee recruiting/retention rate: Declining accessibility and mobility in Providence can hamper efforts to recruit and retain employees. A stressful commute can lead to employee unsatisfaction, leaving the employee prone to look elsewhere for work.
• Jeopardize public health/welfare: For the hospitals, decreased mobility will negatively impact the quality of medical care. Access and mobility are critical for ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention. Also, accessibiliy and mobility should be preserved to ensure that the city will not be crippled in the event of a natural disaster or homeland security threat.

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