Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATION
Title
Resolution authorizing and directing the City Controller to create a special trust fund, to be designated as the "Annual Free Holiday Parking Program Trust Fund" for the purpose of depositing funds to be used for reimbursing the Parking Authority for costs associated with the 2002 Free Holiday Parking Program at all Parking Authority lots within the Central and Neighborhood business districts in the City of Pittsburgh.
Body
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh, with four downtown department stores, hundreds of unique one-of-a-kind specialty stores, plentiful entertainment venues and restaurants throughout our neighborhood business districts which are distinctive and unavailable anywhere else in the region, combined with a continued influx of major national chains; and,
Whereas, in order to provide a level playing field in the arena of free abundant parking on the doorstep of these business district centers while once again restoring the vigor of neighborhood and downtown shopping and entertainment districts vital to the keep our city strong and energetic while overcoming significant construction obstacles; and,
Whereas, the mission of the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh (PPAP) is to provide and maintain space and to support efforts to advance economic progress of the region; and the effect of the authorized purpose of this Authority, in part, is for the benefit of the residents and for the increase of their commerce and prosperity; and
Whereas, in 2001 the City of Pittsburgh implemented a pilot Free Holiday Parking Program though the PPAP clearly demonstrating the cause and effect that proved to be very successful by increasing the number of shoppers Downtown and in neighborhood business districts during this promotional period; and,
Whereas, it is City Council's intention to institutionalize an annual Free Holiday Parking Program and perhaps demonstrate the need for free parking year round to advance the economic progress of our region.
Be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The City Controller is hereby authorized and directed to create a special trust fund to be designated as the Annual Free Holiday Parking Program Trust Fund into which trust fund there shall be deposited funds in the amount of the previous years cost of implementing the free holiday parking program, which funds shall be derived from the Parking Authority's "Authority Payment in Lieu of Taxes". For the year 2002 the 2003 Authority Payment shall be reduced by no less than $300,000. The amount for future years shall be determined by audit.
Section 2. The Pittsburgh Parking Authority shall create an annual "Free Holiday Parking Program" that shall commence no later than the end of the First Week in November and end by the end of the first week in January and offer free parking at all Parking Authority lots within the Central and neighborhood business districts in the City of Pittsburgh during evening hours and weekend hours as prescribed by the Director of the Authority.