It's a catch 22, the need for transportation infrastructure cannot be known until the need exists. Removing parking minimums is a good thing for affordable housing, as previous testimony before the legislature during this session explained that the cost of one space can add as much as $60k to the final cost of a home. However, there also must be a balance. Getting that balance right will be a success for everyone. Nobody wants their neighborhood street crowded with cars. That is understandable, but are you comfortable with those streets being crowded with tents and all that comes with the issue of homelessness. The truth is no builder is ignorant of the fact that homes need parking (currently for the most part), but they also know that providing affordable housing is the number one priority. People should be able to afford a roof over their head. Every fee and expense in the development stage of a project is passed on to the consumer. So, maybe the right path is to give this idea a chance. Maybe the right idea is to allow builders to only put one space per home, or no spaces in some cases. For example, the Capitol Mall Triangle Plan is meant to create a city hub with transit oriented development. The overwhelming majority of business in that area is retail. With no intention to undervalue the retail worker, I remind folks that retail doesn't pay a great deal. So, the folks working those jobs also need an affordable place to live in close proximity to those jobs. If that is provided, the need for a car decreases.
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