A couple of points about the Third Avenue Distributor (TAD) ramps near the
Target Center and potential future Rapid Park ballpark. David Brauer is
right that the ramps following ball games will experience some congestion.
It is well documented that the best situation is one where lots of parking
is available and evenly distributed in something like a half mile radius of
a sporting venue. This spreads out exiting times around the area and keeps
congestion down. It also has a benefit for the surrounding area because it
makes people walk through the neighborhood, putting them in contact with the
commercial environment.
However, in spite of this down side, on the whole the City still feels that
the nearby TAD ramps are a significant and important asset for a Rapid Park
ballpark--particularly when coupled with the (normally off-peak)
availability of a wealth of additional parking in that half mile radius.
>From an economic development and urban design perspective, this situation
has some other associated benefits for the City. Faced with an
understanding that they will face some congestion if they try to park right
next to the ballpark, fans will consider taking actions such as getting
there early and going out to eat before the game. Or stopping at a
nightclub afterward to give time for most fans to leave the ramp. It also
provides an incentive to take some form of mass transit.
There also may be a way to re-work the ramps a bit to get vehicles out more
quickly.
Thomas Leighton
City Planner
Seward
_______________________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy
Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more:
http://e-democracy.org/mpls
