Environmental Services
Arlington County's Response to The Washington Post Parking Article on October 20th
October 20, 2009
To the Editor:
The Post’s article today: “Free Parking Spots Could Sprout Meters,” seriously misrepresents Arlington’s parking policy and contains factual errors that need to be corrected.
Specifically, the writers (Lisa Rein and Yamiche Alcindor) offer an example in the opening paragraph of a “renter’s dream” – an apartment building that includes “a glorious, free parking space,” then go on to say that the free parking space is “likely to disappear soon…along with thousands of parking spaces in office buildings and shopping districts across the county – under a plan heading toward approval next month by the county board.” This is factually incorrect.
The plan coming before the board in November would in no way affect existing, free residential or commercial parking. The proposed Parking and Curb Space Management Element of the Transportation Plan’s policies in this area apply only to buildings constructed in the future and does not include any action that addresses how much is currently charged for parking in existing office and residential buildings.
In Arlington, the goal of our parking meter policy is not to discourage people from driving. Rather, its purpose is to facilitate people getting to retail stores. Without meters and time restrictions, curbside parking spaces fill up with long term parkers, preventing people from accessing retail stores. Meters encourage circulation, and reduce congestion. The County also encourages provision of off-street parking, to ensure sufficient parking in heavily trafficked retail areas.
We respectfully request that the Post correct the errors in its story.
Sincerely,
Sarah E. Stott
Parking Manager
Transportation Division
Department of Environmental Services
Arlington County
2100 Clarendon Blvd. #900
Arlington, VA 22201
