Park in the Park

We were skeptical about the plan to open the Panhandle DMV lot for public parking. But Lisa Zahner, the city's Divisadero Corridor Manager, reassured us that the Planning Department doesn't anticipate a rise in traffic levels, since the surrounding streets are already so busy. And in fact, traffic might improve, since drivers won't have to circle the block to find parking. Not only that, but the city's hope is that people will use the lots to come into SF, and then use public transit to mosey on down to Golden Gate Park for the pedestrian-friendly weekends. (Note to city: shuttle buses might make that hope more likely to materialize.) The lot will only be open for public parking during the DMV's off hours and weekends; the rest of the time, it'll be dedicated for DMV use only. Well, that sounds alright then.

Parking won't be free -- but then, it never is. The city hasn't worked out the exact prices yet, but between the rent they'll pay to the state's DMV and the fees paid to a private parking management company, they expect to break even. Benefits to area merchants: a boost in foot-traffic. Benefits to out-of-towners: easy access to the panhandle, which will be especially nice once they can get that damn bandshell set up. The proposal is with the Parking Authority right now; they're expected to make a decision about it in June or July.

But what about car-sharing? Ah, that's a bit nebulous. The DMV would have to agree to donate some permanent spaces to make that work, since operations like CityCarShare needs to have the spots available 24/7. Although car-sharing is of major benefit to the city, the benefit to the DMV of such a magnanimous gesture isn't terribly clear. But what better advertisement for car-sharing could there be than a bunch of pretty, available hipster-mobiles parked outside, with a sign reading, "hey, for just $10 a month, you'll never have to pay for insurance, gas, repairs, or registration -- and you can say goodbye to those constant trips to the DMV."