For me, Willa Cather and Edith Wharton are the finest of all American writers, along with F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not only did their writings reflect the times they lived in, they did so with humanity and sensitivity that transcended the deliberately spare prose and stark two-dimensional characterizations of Hemingway and Faulkner. Now, let's consider the brilliance of Steinbeck. . . .
The Elm St parking lot is far more valuable to the community as a flexible event space. The trees are lovely, just add judicious festive lighting, keep it clean, and maybe a public restroom nearby and a wide variety of events of various sizes could be held in the center of downtown. A parking garage is simply not a draw for anyone, but there are good alternate locations for a garage and for a “transportation hub.” There is already a parking garage on Park St one short block from the existing “bus station” that could be developed, or add a garage to the south and put the bus station on Mohican st.
With the likelihood that self driving cars and more Lyft and Uber type ride shares taking over the market for transportation in next decade or 2 it seems like a bad time to invest in 50-100 year infrastructure to park cars in the center of town.
I finally found agreement with Will! LOL. I am total agreement that Elm St. is no place for a bus terminal/parking garage. I read that the Federal government won't support it which is where the Idea came from to get federal money for a parking garage by masking it as a transportation hub. Albany seems to be pursuing the concept and the location in Albany begs for transformation. If the city of Glens Falls has only 1 million dollars left for the Farmers Market, I wouldn't move the current one. Instead of giving away the pavilion parking lot why not sell the OTB lot to Bonacio for their project. Why do they not have to have the same parking space rules as any other project? Saratoga Springs combined their intercity bus depot with the railroad station, well away from downtown. It would be nice to have some kind of structure for those who depart or arrive by intercity bus, instead of having to wait outside with their luggage in all kinds of weather.
Glens Falls does not need a parking garage and never did. In my 52 years of living in this area, I have never had trouble finding a parking spot no matter the time of day or what event was happening at the Cool Arena. When the Civic Center was built the planners rejected a parking garage. Their rationale was to spread vehicle parking throughout downtown so that people would walk past businesses. That logic still hold today.
For me, Willa Cather and Edith Wharton are the finest of all American writers, along with F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not only did their writings reflect the times they lived in, they did so with humanity and sensitivity that transcended the deliberately spare prose and stark two-dimensional characterizations of Hemingway and Faulkner. Now, let's consider the brilliance of Steinbeck. . . .
This is what happens when the local Big-Fish-in-the-little-pond throws his weight and money around: the uglification of a pretty little city.
Why not keep the uniqueness of the city instead of making it look like everyyyy other city. Who would to visit if it looks like their home .
It would be a shame if Glens Falls became another bland Saratoga.
The Elm St parking lot is far more valuable to the community as a flexible event space. The trees are lovely, just add judicious festive lighting, keep it clean, and maybe a public restroom nearby and a wide variety of events of various sizes could be held in the center of downtown. A parking garage is simply not a draw for anyone, but there are good alternate locations for a garage and for a “transportation hub.” There is already a parking garage on Park St one short block from the existing “bus station” that could be developed, or add a garage to the south and put the bus station on Mohican st.
Some great ideas here.
With the likelihood that self driving cars and more Lyft and Uber type ride shares taking over the market for transportation in next decade or 2 it seems like a bad time to invest in 50-100 year infrastructure to park cars in the center of town.
"a city trying to promote itself as a destination for pedestrians"
I would add "and bicyclists" considering the work of Bike Glens Falls (BikeGlensFalls.com) and the recent grants awarded to the county to improve area cycling (https://poststar.com/news/local/warren-county-receives-federal-money-for-two-bike-trails/article_1ed5e8f2-23eb-11ed-8338-830adaa82cae.html)
I finally found agreement with Will! LOL. I am total agreement that Elm St. is no place for a bus terminal/parking garage. I read that the Federal government won't support it which is where the Idea came from to get federal money for a parking garage by masking it as a transportation hub. Albany seems to be pursuing the concept and the location in Albany begs for transformation. If the city of Glens Falls has only 1 million dollars left for the Farmers Market, I wouldn't move the current one. Instead of giving away the pavilion parking lot why not sell the OTB lot to Bonacio for their project. Why do they not have to have the same parking space rules as any other project? Saratoga Springs combined their intercity bus depot with the railroad station, well away from downtown. It would be nice to have some kind of structure for those who depart or arrive by intercity bus, instead of having to wait outside with their luggage in all kinds of weather.
I totally agree! Gardens, or something, no parking garage!
Glens Falls does not need a parking garage and never did. In my 52 years of living in this area, I have never had trouble finding a parking spot no matter the time of day or what event was happening at the Cool Arena. When the Civic Center was built the planners rejected a parking garage. Their rationale was to spread vehicle parking throughout downtown so that people would walk past businesses. That logic still hold today.
Totally agree with Will.