Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on Project #17-02, Submitted by McKinney Main Street in an Amount not to Exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) for the Purchase of a Polaris GEM, to Provide Downtown Shuttle Service between Remote Parking Areas and the Commercial Core; Total Estimated Project Cost is $55,000 Including Vehicle Purchase and Operating Costs; the Amount Requested for Vehicle Purchase Represents 46% of Total Project Cost
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: January 26, 2017
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
* McKinney Main Street is requesting a grant, in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the purchase of a Polaris 6-passenger GEM vehicle to shuttle visitors from remote parking areas to the core commercial district in downtown McKinney.
* With construction of the nine-acre site south of the Downtown Square on the horizon, downtown will lose a significant portion of its free, unlimited remote parking spaces.
* With the elimination of the option for parking at the nine-acre site, other remote parking areas, primarily north of the square, will be publicized and utilized by downtown visitors - which will lead to the need for creation of transportation from parking sites to downtown destinations, while the City continues to negotiate/ create additional parking options to increase parking inventory.
* The shuttle service is planned as a "no cost" option to riders.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
* The Polaris GEM is a uniquely styled, electric, minimal maintenance, six-seat vehicle that has been successfully deployed as a shuttle option in areas like the Dallas Arts District, downtown San Diego, Aspen, CO, Tampa, FL and Newport Beach, CA.
* Following the practices of other established GEM shuttle operations, the McKinney GEM would not operate on a fixed route - b...
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