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You may have noticed a fair number of articles lately regarding new in-fill multifamily projects that don’t contain any parking spaces. In my 15 years in business, starting with property management, then moving into real estate sales and development, I am constantly dealing with this question. I have had the opportunity to develop several commercial buildings in some of Portland’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Here is what amazes me: when I have a building that has no parking, the issue of parking rarely comes up. But, if I have a building with only two or three spaces, it will often be the main thing that every potential tenant wants to discuss.

I know that we all want to have our cake and eat it too, but when it comes to the issue of parking in the city, a compromise may be in order. The desires to have 20-minute neighborhoods, where we can walk to all of our goods and services, and have Walmart-sized parking lots, are diametrically opposed. If we are going to have 20-minute neighborhoods, then we have to start getting used to the idea that parking is going to be at a premium. Those who are opposed to a development project without parking are often not willing to look at what the increasing density can do for the services offered to the neighborhood. Increased density will bring people closer to the goods and services that are being offered in that neighborhood, as well as help to strengthen local businesses in the area.

Keep in mind, this is coming from a guy that would love to see what would happen if gas were being sold at $10 per gallon. Just think how drastically people’s day to day habits would change. Not only would transportation habits shift dramatically from personal to public, but people’s relationship with their community would be transformed as well.