Naperville needs to make wise parking decisions

My first car was a new 1968 "rally green" Rambler American, built by American Motors.

The 1958 hit song "Beep Beep" became my theme song. I still know the lyrics to the spirited ditty about the little Nash Rambler in pursuit of a prestigious Cadillac.

That car choice is your clue that I've never been into cars. And not many other car buyers were into the Rambler American back then either. In 1969, AMC stopped making that model.

Still, it was an economical reliable car that started every time and I was satisfied.

A traditionalist at heart, today I cruise around in my dad's old Mercury. It's not as economical as I'd like, but I compensate by walking whenever time and weather permit.

While driving around Saturday evening, in awe of the Grand Illumination throughout downtown Naperville, I entered the Van Buren parking deck, following a late-model Cadillac. I had the urge to go "beep, beep."

Considering the headlines that engage us in conversation - and how sales tax revenues from local auto dealerships boost our economy and their owners' generosity benefits local charities - I couldn't help thinking that American Motors is out of business because too few people wanted its cars. After the demise of the Rambler American, AMC produced several new models for consumption in the competitive U.S. auto market, but sales didn't follow. A partnership led to a buyout and eventually Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987.

You'll find striking similarities back then to what's happening now. My point is the AMC brand is gone today because its leadership misread the times.

I also don't think thoughtful and good public policy can be based on the high emotions and promises of the day for a quick fix for our nation's automakers.

Yet, I recognize these issues are serious and in need of attention.

I continued Saturday to follow the Caddy up to the second level of the Van Buren parking deck, mindful that we're a nation of innovative risk-taking thinkers and "-a Cadillac is not a car to scorn. Beep Beep."

More parking

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear? Toward Main Street Promenade, the plywood barriers are gone. I could enter the spacious addition to the Van Buren parking deck with more than 300 new spaces.

Unlike the other spots that slightly slope on an angle, these new spaces are level.

Mothers with strollers and the elderly have told me that the reason they prefer the outdoor surface parking lots is that they are level. Flat surfaces provide safe, sure footing as they exit their vehicles; strollers don't begin to roll as they place their children in the seats.

And while I'm thinking about parking, for about 18 months a bunch of us have taken turns to regularly monitor use of the parking lot after library hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. We've noted that the lot seldom has more than a dozen cars.

That tells me it's not a popular spot for patrons who visit some 50 downtown restaurants on weekends.

And since the downtown restaurants in a defined area now are being assessed at a rate of 1.5 percent food and beverage tax to pay for the planned parking that supposedly will benefit them, it doesn't seem to add up to fair.

(Note: The tax is in addition to the existing citywide 1 percent food and beverage tax applicable since 2004 for the Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund.)

After six months into our unofficial weekly survey, I began to think that the library location simply is not going to attract downtown visitors.

Imagine how encouraged I was to hear councilmen Grant Wehrli and Bob Fieseler now question the need for the Nichols lot because of the expense as well as the onset of other parking locations.

Plus, I think there are other solutions. A few years ago, temporary signs were set up along Aurora Avenue, reminding folks that parking is available in the municipal center lot on weekends. Why not set up those signs again every Friday?

And post other signs to direct visitors to the Centennial Beach parking lot.

Most of us will benefit from some healthful exercise by walking several blocks to our destination.

On every level, let's seek sensible sound solutions.

Stephanie Penick writes about Naperville. Contact her at spennydh@aol.com.