Jackson Planning Commission debates parking structure's impact on housing units and green space
May 08, 2025 | Jackson Town Council, Jackson, Teton County, Wyoming
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The Jackson Town Council held a Joint Information Meeting on May 8, 2025, focusing on the development plans for a new housing project. The primary discussion centered around the implications of eliminating a structured parking facility in favor of surface parking, which proponents argue could allow for the construction of 15 additional homes.
Commissioner Carmen raised a question regarding how the removal of the parking structure could lead to an increase in housing units. The response highlighted that the height limitations of the parking structure restrict the number of parking spaces, which in turn limits the number of housing units that can be built. Under the current design, the project could accommodate only 211 units with the parking structure, compared to 226 units with surface parking due to the increased availability of parking spaces.
The conversation also touched on the trade-offs between parking space and green space. It was noted that reducing the number of parking spaces could enhance open areas, but this would likely result in fewer housing units. The developers acknowledged the need to balance parking requirements with the desire for more green space, indicating that adjustments to the bedroom count in units could also influence the overall design and unit count.
Shannon Coxbaker, the regional vice president for the development company, emphasized that both parking schemes would exceed the landscape surface area requirements set by local development regulations. She proposed the creation of a transportation demand management plan to analyze the optimal number and arrangement of parking spaces, aiming to maintain a balance between unit count, parking, and open space.
Councilman Schechter requested specific data comparing the percentage of open space and asphalt in the previous parking garage plan versus the new surface parking plan, indicating a need for clarity on the environmental impact of the proposed changes.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the parking and housing design, ensuring that community needs for both housing and open space are adequately addressed in the development process.
Commissioner Carmen raised a question regarding how the removal of the parking structure could lead to an increase in housing units. The response highlighted that the height limitations of the parking structure restrict the number of parking spaces, which in turn limits the number of housing units that can be built. Under the current design, the project could accommodate only 211 units with the parking structure, compared to 226 units with surface parking due to the increased availability of parking spaces.
The conversation also touched on the trade-offs between parking space and green space. It was noted that reducing the number of parking spaces could enhance open areas, but this would likely result in fewer housing units. The developers acknowledged the need to balance parking requirements with the desire for more green space, indicating that adjustments to the bedroom count in units could also influence the overall design and unit count.
Shannon Coxbaker, the regional vice president for the development company, emphasized that both parking schemes would exceed the landscape surface area requirements set by local development regulations. She proposed the creation of a transportation demand management plan to analyze the optimal number and arrangement of parking spaces, aiming to maintain a balance between unit count, parking, and open space.
Councilman Schechter requested specific data comparing the percentage of open space and asphalt in the previous parking garage plan versus the new surface parking plan, indicating a need for clarity on the environmental impact of the proposed changes.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the parking and housing design, ensuring that community needs for both housing and open space are adequately addressed in the development process.
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