turnedNOTburned wrote >>
I was discussing this last night with friends, none of us live in the SN, love to go, but, the single biggest reason for NOT going is parking, or lack thereof.
I wouldn't even have an issue with paying a little more to to "improve my odds" for finding a spot (read:parking garage). Valets are an awesome option too - maybe thats the middleground, eah?
If parking were available over by Jeffry place, its not that far of a walk, heck, I'd pay a few bucks for shuttle service down to 1st in bad weather....
- D
Being out of town, I agree. There have been a few times I skipped on going to Short North due to time constraints and not waiting waste the night looking for parking. However, parking garages or off site lots parking direct shuttles would be extremely helpful! Sorry, most of the time the wife and I only have a babysitter for a few hours. If it is Friday night, we are on a date, I do not want to waste most of our alone time getting to our destination!
Likewise, as a parent, dragging two young girls (1 year and 2 3/4 years) on public transit is not all that attractive! Especially when contending with a diaper bag, double stroller, toys, and other bits on the bus. When they are older, sure, that 1/4 mi to 1/2 mi walk or half hour bus ride will not be that bad. Subsequently, we usually visit the Short North on off hours.
Edit Add-on:
As much as I love the Short North or downtown for that matter, there are still wonderful local restaurants, coffeehouses, food markets, and stores with more direct and convenient parking. Face it, most people drive cars, and to welcome them to the Short North community will require dealing and storing with how they got there, at least on the short term.