Downtown St. Paul losing 4,000 parking spots during GOP convention (security)

[Ichingcarpenter]

Downtown St. Paul will lose about 4,000 parking spaces during the 2008 Republican National Convention, city officials said Tuesday.

The move will force thousands of commuters to look elsewhere for parking, with many expected to take shuttles from other locations during the week of the convention. And at least two popular surface lots will be closed beginning this weekend and won't reopen until after John McCain is nominated as the Republican Party's 2008 presidential candidate.

The closures affect 15 ramps and lots immediately surrounding the Xcel Energy Center, the venue for the Sept. 1-4 event. Two lots — one directly across Kellogg Street from the Xcel and another south of Exchange Street and Eagle Parkway — will close this Sunday.

"At this point, there could be more closed in that vicinity. Right now, we want to get the information out about the ones that we do know," said Natalie Fedie, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Planning and Economic Development.

"We do believe there is going to be enough parking outside of that area for everyone." Most of the closures will last from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. They affect about 2,000 contract parking customers and another 2,000 commuters who use the lots on a day-to-day basis.
Displaced commuters who don't have monthly contracts are expected to make their own parking arrangements.

http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_9892343?nclick_check=1

[marmar]

1. And Lord knows how many bathroom stalls!

:)

[Muttocracy]

2. that alone may ensure MN goes blue! :) nt

[norepubsin08]

3. I heard that

they need all those empty flat surfaces to hold their "wide stance" contests in honor of Larry "I am not gay" Craig