Published:
Folsom Free Valet Parking Overcomes Parking Deficiencies
By Alan Gray
Derek mans the free valet parking booth in Historic Folsom on Saturday evening, corner of Sutter and Wool Streets.
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When work on Folsom's new Parking Structure started last year, a large area of the old railroad block was fenced off, eliminating over 100 parking spaces. The railroad block, now known as Folsom Station, was used by people visiting many different businesses.
After the closure, drivers would circle around looking for a space to park - and some may have given up. Then the City of Folsom Redevelopment Agency and the Folsom Historic District Association came together to support valet parking as a mitigation for the loss of the parking spaces.
Brendan checks in a car near the free valet parking booth in Historic Folsom on Saturday evening, corner of Sutter and Wool Streets.
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The Neumann Valet Parking and Limousine Company of Sacramento was chosen to provide the service on Friday and Saturday evenings.
On Friday, generally around 50 vehicles use the service and, surprisingly, slightly less on Saturday. There is room for many more and the FHDA hopes many more will use the service once they know it exists.
According to Derek and Brendan last Saturday, patrons of many different historic district restaurants, hotels and of course, the Stage Nine theater, Rainbow Jewelers and other shops use the valet services. The valet booth is placed at the corner of Sutter and Wool Streets and it is open from 6pm to 11pm. In that position, it is good for visitors wanting to go to My Brother Vinny's, Miss Teaz, Hacienda Del Rio, Folsom Hotel and others in the 700 block of Sutter Street; Chicago Fire, Scarlet's, Powerhouse Pub, Procissi Cellars in the 600 Block; Hop Sing in the 800 block or Zinfandel Grill, Moro Japanese or other restaurants and shops on Liedesdorf Street/Gold Lake Drive.
The valet service beats searching around for a parking space, remembering where you parked the car or walking the streets. Folsom is fairly safe and has excellent weather, so it isn't too much of a hardship, but why bother when you have a great valet service.
The new parking structure at the corner of Liedesdorf and Reading Streets is planned to open in March 2008. It is possible the valet service will continue even after that time, as other construction work in the area starts up.
If you have used the valet service or plan to do so, please take part in the survey above and let us know what you think.
Tags: Politics, top news, california
