Reducing waste in parking spaces around Colorado

In somewhat recent studies, they highlighted a significant oversupply of parking spaces in Lakewood, Colorado, leading to underutilization and wasted resources. Especially when the amount of ever-increasing potholes seems to be ceaseless. For example, a study conducted in 2023 about Lakewood Parking revealed that many residential and commercial areas have parking utilization rates well below capacity, indicating an excess of unused spaces. This oversupply not only wastes valuable land but also represents a misallocation of financial resources that could be better used elsewhere. With every visit to places like malls, you seem to see hundreds of unused spaces further exemplifying the wasted potential of the land.

Furthermore, the Williams Pointe development in Lakewood includes about 44 affordable housing units, yet was still required via regulations to provide a total of 71 parking spaces. Despite provisions allowing for a 20% reduction for affordable housing, the project was force-mandated to include a $1 million parking garage to meet outdated and old parking requirements and regulations. A very unnecessary expense given the current oversupply of parking and shifting transportation trends in the area. When developers are forced to invest in excessive parking rather than housing or community-focused projects, it drives up overall costs and reduces the efficiency of urban development. Turning most of the city into parking spaces instead of spaces used to benefit the public in various ways and increase the quality of life of Colorado.

This issue extends beyond Lakewood of course. With a study conducted by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) found that across 86 housing properties near transit stations in the Denver metro area, a total of 9,602 parking spaces remained unused during peak periods the same periods of which they should be the most full, representing a whopping approximate of $270 million in wasted spending. These trends suggest that Lakewood, like many cities around Colorado, has a parking infrastructure set up that far exceeds the actual demand, demonstrating increasingly that cities need to rethink how they allocate space for vehicles versus people. And make changes to regulations and laws around the amount of parking spaces needed for buildings.

Addressing this imbalance through updated parking policies and expanded public transportation options could lead to much more efficient land use and significant cost savings for the surrounding community. One practical and sustainable solution that aligns with this effort is QOLCO's very own implementation of heated bus stops, which would make public transportation more appealing during the winter months. By improving commuter comfort, heated bus stops could encourage more residents to rely on public transit instead of personal vehicles. As ridership increases, the need for large parking lots will continue to further decline, freeing up even more valuable urban land for better community usage.

Instead of allowing vast, empty parking areas to remain underutilized, the city could potentially repurpose them into green spaces, tree-lined walkways, community gardens, playgrounds, or dog parks to list some of the potential repurposing possibilities. These improvements would not only enhance the city’s appearance but also provide environmental benefits, such as improving air quality and reducing heat absorption from excessive pavement. Additionally, replacing concrete lots with green infrastructure would improve stormwater management, helping to mitigate flood risks by allowing rainwater to naturally absorb into the ground rather than overwhelming drainage systems. This of course is in an attempt to improve the quality of life around Lakewood, and Colorado in general.

Beyond environmental and aesthetic benefits, reducing excessive parking can have a much more direct economic advantage for residents. Large parking lots contribute to higher property costs, whether through maintenance expenses, lost development opportunities, or very inefficient land use. By reclaiming these spaces for parks, housing, or small businesses, the city could boost property values, support local economic growth, and create more engaging and accessible public spaces. Furthermore, investing in improved public transportation infrastructure reduces individual transportation costs for residents, helping them save on gas, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees.

More thoughtfully designed urban spaces can also encourage walking and cycling, fostering a more active, healthier, and connected community. By integrating heated bus stops with smarter urban planning, Lakewood has the opportunity to prioritize sustainability, enhance public spaces, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents, all while making better use of the land that is currently being wasted by unused parking spaces.

Studies used:

Lakewood Together

SouthWest Energy Efficiency Project