Councilor Clayburgh’s parking decks are fantasy

July 11 To the Editor:

This proposal (building parking decks at Worth lot and on Parrott Avenue) puts the cart before the horse. The council, of which Ms. Nancy Novelline Clayburgh is a member, voted to explore suggestions of the Portsmouth Listens study circles, which carefully analyzed the situation. Downtown parking would be considered if nothing else works. Wasn't she listening to everyone who thinks garages in any form downtown must be off the table until other options are fully explored and found unworkable?

I have been following the Twitter posts of @Parkportsmouth, which keeps track of activity at the High-Hanover parking garage. Now, during the busiest days of the year, the lot does indeed fill up for a couple of hours every day at lunchtime and again at the dinner hour. It isn't full most of the rest of the time. Even the night of the fireworks, it emptied out by 9:45 p.m. In all cases, whilst driving around the city for the express purpose of checking where I could meter park, I found 38 places between State and Congress streets, including Market Square at 1:30 and 5:30 and yes, the streets were packed with tourists enjoying themselves. I'm sick of this issue, which is really a non-issue. Park just outside the city, if you must. A short walk draws one into the feel of the city. It should be a pleasure, not a chore, as many would have us believe. I will not even address this fantasy garden because every time I try to picture it, I get the giggles, Slides, swings, trees? Come on. Give me a break!

Nancy Elwell

Portsmouth

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Councilor Clayburgh's parking decks are fantasy