Assignment on Houston Medical Center Parking Proposal

Problem Statement of Houston Medical Center

            It is a fact that population in urban cities has been increasing with the passage of time, and with more growth of population, urban areas are facing various kinds of problems. The space in these urban areas is getting less because large business centers are being developed. The same is the case with Houston, as the city has got populated, and it is facing the problem of parking. The parking areas in different parts of the city are very little in space as compared to actual needs. Moreover, the problem is that these parking areas are not providing enough space for employees, working in the Houston Medical Center. It is important for any business area to provide the required parking facility to employees, who work in those business centers. The employees working in such areas have no other choice, so they need free parking to do their job without any worries. Businesses located within the Houston Medical Center should cover the cost of parking for their employees because employees lose part of their salary when paying for parking and some employees struggle with being able to afford rising parking costs.

Background to the Problem of Houston Medical Center

            It is important to understand the background of the problem, why it is happening so that viable solutions can be found later. It is a fact which cannot be ignored that Houston is growing as a city because its population is increasing on a regular basis. The more population means more transport on the roads, which also need a parking facility. According to one of the latest statistics, it has been said that by 2040, the population of Houston will surpass the number of ten million people. It shows that the population is growing rapidly, so the city is facing the issue of parking spaces. The city officials are very much aware of the situation, and they are trying to make decisions, which help them to deal with the upcoming situations. They know that parking spaces are not enough, and that’s why various business centers are not providing free parking spaces. Ellen Cohen is the Mayor of Houston, and recently she said in a statement that “We have to be able to bring people into Houston by buses, light rail, integrated transportation. And how can we do that so that people aren’t driving cars with one person behind the wheel?” It shows that city officials are also looking for some kind of change in social behavior so that things are made easy for everyone to live (LEE)

What is being done?

            It is vital to understand that when any business center or area is developed, it is crucial to have a dedicated plan for everything, and parking is one of the major concerns. It means that if a business center has a certain possible number of people to visit the area, then there should be enough parking spaces for everyone, especially employees who work in those areas. The issue has been mentioned earlier for businesses located within the Houston Medical Center that they are not providing free parking spaces to their employees, and employees have to pay for their parking on a daily basis. It is very easy to understand that when a business is hiring employees, and ask them to work in any business center, then they should ensure that employees get enough free parking facility. It is their responsibility to do so. It has been observed that different cities and states around the United States are taking measures to deal with the problem of parking spaces. The stats have revealed that the majority of Americans who own their private vehicles; prefer to move around on private vehicles, rather than using public transport (Downs). So, it is vital for cities to come up with better parking solutions so that employees working in different areas can find free parking spaces, because paying for parking is another burden on their shoulders, along with so many other expenses.

What needs to be done?

            It is the most important question to find relevant answers so that problem is eliminated as much as possible. It is a fact that Houston has various parking restrictions, and these restrictions do not allow people to park cars in nearby streets and areas, where enough space is available. So, the first part of the solution is that businesses within Houston Medical Center should discuss the matter with local city officials to allow their employees to park cars in nearby streets, where space is enough, and car parking will not affect the flow of traffic. If they are not allowed to do so by the city officials, then the second solution is that businesses should add parking expenses in their annual budget, and pay for the parking fee of their employees. They can do it by developing a comprehensive plan like making a compensation and salary plan for employees, which includes free parking. They can also make a plan, where they ask employees to split the parking expenses on monthly basis like the burden of parking costs should be shared between them; the half amount is paid by the employers, and the other half amount is paid by the employees. It would at least lessen the burden of parking costs which is on the shoulders of employees (Personal Interview).

            We have discussed a few viable solutions to deal with the problem of parking costs, and one more considerable solution is that employees are provided with company-sponsored pick and drop services. If businesses in the Houston Medical Center are not ready to pay for the parking fee of their employees, then they should ask employees to use pick and drop services provided by their employers. This is how they can deal with the problem, and now it’s up to the choice of employees, whether they would like to pay for parking or want to enjoy free commute between their home and office. It looks to be the best solution because it will not only help employees and employers to resolve the problem, but it will also play its part in social change, as it was mentioned earlier that increasing population is increasing the number of vehicles on the roads, which is causing parking space problems.

Implications for the Future

If employees will be provided company-sponsored transport, it means there would be fewer cars in the business area of Houston Medical center, and it will also play its part in decreasing the number of vehicles running on the roads. So, the solution will resolve two issues; employees will be able to get free commute between home and office, and Houston Medical Center, as well as, Houston city will see fewer cars or private vehicles around, which is a great thing to improve the flow of traffic with less number of vehicles.

 Works Cited of Houston Medical Center