PREVIOUSLY, I was hounded with issues regarding parking in the city. It was true that we had a contract to have it managed by a private company, however, it turned out that the city took the brunt end of the deal. Apparently, the city was in the disadvantage and many felt that it was unfair.
Parking indeed was an issue when the mayor then decided to go against the parking system contractors. The city did support the government in its quest to have the contract terminated and a further review of the terms and to the benefit of the city and not the operators.
While it is in order that parking be regulated in designated parking spaces off street, conflict and disagreement ensued with regards to the conduct of the on street parking within most city roads. The sharing too was questionable by most officials in the city government.
The business today of parking is big business, other than a requisite for buildings or business establishments, it is definitely a business to look into. In fact, it is now a business because most if not all would consider building a parking lot to comply and to also set it up as an extra income earner. There is money in parking.
In the Metro and eventually in Baguio too, since we now do have a lot of condominiums sprouting here and there, and parking is also a separate title and contract. In fact, a condominium for sale options parking as a separate investment. Meaning, both condominium unit and parking space will have separate titles of ownership. Premium it will be and investment is better if Juan happens to have both. A solo condominium for sale will cost less and less attractive to a buyer if it doesn’t include a parking space. Here in the Metro it is the parking spaces within the Complex or compound that are first sold out more than the condominium units.
Burnham Park (king) is again a burning issue. To park or not to park. Honestly, if I was asked I would say yes to allow parking. A facility that is collapsible and temporary it should be. Ten years at most for any Juan who wishes to operate it. Not government. I also think that the local government should not spend for it. At worst, Tieza should take charge and the city will avoid any problems, controversy or confusion from such a project. If DPWH, then so be it.
But the kings in prime parking areas are the jeepneys, most especially those not from the city. They take up space almost the whole day with all their jeeps just sitting around until late afternoon. The same goes to garage vans, mostly collorum, with the reason that they have paid for their own parking in a private property. But that is against the law since a franchise can only be issued if you have your own garage, hence the name, garage vans.
Another of these kings are the buses along Gov. Pack Road, they shouldn’t be parked there, just to pick up passengers supposedly. They, like garage vans must have their own terminals, not a parking space. That is public road. Only Victory Liner has complied by having their own terminal. I hear Solid North is building one and Partas is found along Kennon Road. Maybe.
The mall realizes too that they make more money in parking than income from all others, realizing too that some establishments have packed up and closed down, thus the reason for a new development and an extension of the parking for more income.
With this and in line with helping out the new mayor in finding solutions I think I would like to get involved once more with this issue and be king for parking. I have gone through a lot from it, cases filed, won or lost, I just have had enough. Today things will change and all that is needed is a breath of fresh air regarding parking and who is king.
As a businessman, I would like to help the city. I will be opening a parking facility that would alleviate and do a service for any Juan who would like to park within reach of the Central Business District. Now that there even is a Towing Ordinance in place. So I might as well help. There should be NO PARK KING.