City asks public to weigh in on Heavenly Village parking proposal

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There could soon be up to 57 new paid parking spaces around the Heavenly Village to help address the need for parking in the Stateline area of South Lake Tahoe

On Wednesday, South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler presented his proposal to about a dozen people who attended a public meeting at the Marriott Grand Residence.

City-owned paid parking kiosks have been in storage since 2014 when Measure P put an end to the use of paid parking in various areas within the City limits, something approved by City Council in 2012.

Uhler's proposal would add paid parking spots in the public right-of-way along Bellamy Court and Heavenly Village Way. Adding the spaces would cost around $200,000 for initial striping, installation of kiosks and curb modifications. The program expenses would pay for themselves in approximately two years through parking fees.

Lack of access to the downtown area of South Lake Tahoe has long been a concern. Many drivers have utilized the parking lot at Crescent V in front of Raley's, which allows for two hours of free parking for their shoppers. Two of the nearby casinos have eliminated their free parking, an area many used to park while exploring both sides of the state line.

The City-owned parking garage at the Heavenly Village is often filled so Chief Uhler said the additional paid options would not create an empty facility, just more options.

“The proposed parking expansion represents a cost-effective approach to make at least a small improvement in parking availability in the Heavenly Village area, and will eventually result in additional annual revenue for the City,” said City Manager Frank Rush.

Chief Uhler shared highlights of his proposal:

- The paid parking spots are not replacing parking spots currently free
- Gives people an option to parking in the garage
- Relieves pressure on Crescent V parking
- Expenses will not impact the General Fund and are funded entirely from parking revenue
- Utilizes previously purchased kiosks the City owns
- Low cost

Also discussed were time options on the meters. Should they be two or four hours max (for shopping and walking around the Village), or be allowed to be used all day or overnight (by hotel guests and employees in the area).

City staff has already done public outreach and so far there had no objections to the plan. The public can now submit their thoughts about the proposed parking on the City's website HERE.

During the City Council's February 15 retreat they identified the addition of parking in South Lake Tahoe as a priority. The results will be given to them prior to the meeting where the proposal will be discussed, either March 19 or April 2..

Rush extended his thanks to the Marriott Grand Residence for their offering of the meeting space for free.