Problem Solvers: Business owners clash over parklets impact on sales and accessibility
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For several months, the Problem Solvers have been sharing stories about the parking challenges facing downtown Bend. Many residents say they avoid the area because finding parking is difficult, and local businesses report feeling the impact.
Parklets: A Pandemic Lifeline Turns Permanent
One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic remains with us: outdoor dining parklets. These parklets converted parking spaces into dining areas.
While some business owners feel restaurants are unfairly favored by being allowed to take away convenient parking, others argue they are vital to keeping downtown vibrant.
Business Owners Divided on Parklets’ Impact
Sarah Roberts, owner of Oregon Body and Bath, believes the parklets have outlived their usefulness.
“There was a need for them then. But I think that time has come and gone. We don’t have COVID any more,” she said. She frequently hears complaints about the loss of parking affecting business.
On the other hand, Mac McDonald, owner of Lemon Tree, paints a different picture.
“It creates an ambiance, an opportunity. It looks fresh, exciting,” he said. He notes that the restaurant’s parklet attracts tourists who are exploring downtown for the first time. “If my parklet went away, I would lose 10 percent of my sales.”
McDonald says he is convinced that other businesses rely on parklets to help attract customers. “Again, absolutely,” he said when asked if parklets help bring more customers downtown.
The True Cost of Parklets: City Revenue Losses
Among the roughly 2,500 parking spaces in downtown Bend, 13 businesses have dedicated around 30 spots to parklets. According to the City’s Transportation Department, each parking space generates about $250,000 in annual revenue.
This puts the city’s potential revenue loss at over $7.5 million. However, this figure doesn’t factor in the possible boost in business and tax revenue that these parklets may bring by attracting more visitors to the downtown area.
December 2024 parking strategy updateDownload
Roberts says this loss translates not only financially but also keeps locals from patronizing downtown businesses.
“I think it comes down to that convenient parking that the locals have been used to for a long time,” she added.
Mayor and Business Association Look to the Future
Mayor Melanie Kebler sees parklets as community gathering places that help all businesses. “Having gathering places for people and having places for people to stay longer downtown generally benefits all the businesses,” she said.
However, the Downtown Bend Business Association is pushing for changes. In a letter to the city, they requested that parklets become a summer-only feature, adhere to design standards, and have increased permit costs.
DBBA letter to the City of Bend on parkletsDownload
The mayor is open to these changes but emphasizes the need to improve how parking options are communicated and made accessible.
“You might be surprised at how many different little parking lots there are downtown, as well as the parking garage,” she said. “We need to do a better job of making all the other parking options understandable for people.”