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City Council has approved a request for proposals for a parking study of the downtown, where ongoing and planned development is threatening to create a parking squeeze.
"Altoona's downtown has experienced a rebirth" in the last decade, largely due to Penn State Altoona projects and other projects that are ongoing at the former Vipond and Chalk Box buildings or planned at the Penn Central building, according to the RFP. "Businesses and residents have noticed that parking is more challenging to find, as the downtown has become increasingly vibrant."
The consultant chosen will need to inventory and analyze the existing situation and provide recommendations that account for both current and future demands, according to the RFP.
The study will cover from Seventh to 18th streets and from 10th to 14th avenues.
The consultant must be expert in compiling and analyzing parking information and data, creating demand projections and on making recommendations on policies, programs, management of public-private partnerships and bike and pedestrian "connectivity," according to the RFP.
Proposals will be accepted until 10 a.m. April 19.
The study must be done within six months of the awarding of a contract.
The project budget is $40,000, which will come from the contingency line item in the budget.
Questions should go to City Manager Omar Strohm.