SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Construction has become the new norm on Front Avenue. The crews are putting together the highly anticipated Santa Cruz Warriors arena.
Last night a sigh of relief from city leaders about parking problems that arena is going cause.
"I'm feeling pretty optimistic about it," said Mayor Don Lane.
The plan will add 49 new meters, designate 375 parking spaces for season ticket holders and disperse arena parking around downtown to avoid congestion.
But what about parking up the hill where people actually live?
The Mayor said the first step was to attract fans to parking spaces away from residential areas like Beach Hill. The second step, Mayor Lane says, "we are going to look at a permanent parking program there year round."
For those who live in beach hill making it permanent makes the most sense. "That's the only way I could see it working," said Jason Crane. Crane said he has enough trouble finding a parking spot as it is.
Beach Hill Neighborhood Association Rep. Don Webber said he's okay with waiting for a parking resolution from the city. "I think the city is doing well in their post development planning," said Webber.
Webber said Beach Hill's main problem is when tourists come to town in the summer.
"It's a real problem and the arena is an opportunity for us to ask the council to address that problem," said Webber.
Which is why the Mayor said that problem will be addressed before the first home game.
"The success of this in the long run is really dependent on a good start. So we are trying to bend over backwards to find every parking solution we can," said Mayor Lane.
