Mike Tuckey Senior’s Weblog

My understanding of governments’ role in society is to protect the governed from unnecessary interference, either domestic or foreign. Why then, did we have a propsed “Valet Parking Ordinance” recently

We all know, parking is an issue downtown. Although there is clearly adequate parking for downtown, its use is hindered by people’s concern for the vehicle and walking on downtown streets. Whether this is a logical fear or  the perception of danger, is completely irrelevant. The fear is real.  This fear has had an effect on some businesses in attracting customers. Some businesses (primarily restaurants) came up with a creative way to address this concern. They began using valet parking. If a customer chose not to walk the few blocks from the Mass Mutual Center, Symphony Hall, or City Stage, they now could drive to the front door of their restaurant of choice, be met by a uniformed, pleasant attendant, and have their car parked. When they had completed their stay, an attendant would retrieve the vehicle for them and bring it to the front door. I must also state, this is no small expense to the proprietor of the restaurant. This system was working and working well with no real support or interference from the City of Springfield, UNTIL the city decided to FIX IT.

As I have been told, a well intentioned downtown business man, attempting to do what he believed to be right, wished to institute valet parking at his building. What I was told, is; he went to the Springfield Parking Authority/Republic Parking and asked how to institute valet parking and was told; he coulnd’t; because, there was no ordinance allowing for it; but, they would ask that one be established. My queston is; why do we need an ordinance to have someone park your car in a legal parking lot? If you park your own car legally, you don’t need an ordinance!

Well, apparently, the Springfield Parking Authority asked for a city department to create an ordinance (As I understand it, Springfield Parking has no authority to have an ordnance writtne by our law department). The city department agreed, and asked the law department to create an ordinance to solve problems with valet parking; BUT, no problems existed. Subsequently, the law department created an ordinance and asked that a city councilor bring it before the council for approval. Let’s take a look at this:

A/ Although other establishments use valet parking on an “as needed” basis, essentially, the Fort Restaurant was the only business, I know of, using valet parking regularly. There had been a few others; but, most of they have packed up and left downtown.

B/ I have met the attendants of the valet parking service several times.. They are courteous, friendly, careful, and efficient.

C/ I have asked several people, business operators and public officials. No one knows of a single incident or complaint associated with valet parking in the years it has operated.

D/ Cars are parked safely and legally.

E/ The system, as it is, encourages people to stay downtown, who would, otherwise leave after their stay at some other attraction downtown; or, it encourages them to come early for dinner, prior to attending and event.

In closing,  we have a number of organization and individual working to revitalize our downtown environment. All, whom I have met, firmly believe; that, through cooperation and communicaton, this can be achieved. If the city of Springfield wishes to support and encourage these well meaning folks, they should work with them, not against them. With any idea that will change the existing environment, such as, valet paking, parking validation, or metered parking, the input from those downtown estabishments to be effected should be solicited and considered. We should not instituted through ordinance, without input; or, implemented through mandate.

Fortunately, when it leaked out; that, this ordinance was up for consideraton, so much objection was raised; that, it was removed from the agends. But, I felt obligated to discuss this; because, it is such a clear example of government at its worst.