Wow! A parking garage for Bristol,

Wow! A parking garage for Bristol, Va. What a great idea, the possibilities are endless!


After moving to Bristol three years ago from Portsmouth, Va., a city with a multi-level parking garage, I can certainly attest to the benefits of having one here.


Portsmouth is on the Elizabeth River waterfront, where there are constant festivals, music concerts, art shows and boating events. The garage allows people a central place to park for a fair price without driving around in circles searching for a space. The Rhythm & Roots Reunion comes to mind for this type of usage, and holiday events and parades.


There could be a few reserved spaces on the first level of the proposed garage for downtown employees, condo residents, etc., paid on a monthly basis, which would provide a constant source of income and a convenient place to park for its users.


This garage would enable Bristol, Va., the opportunity to have a farmer’s market too. Surely there are enough vendors to support both, plus this one would be indoors and rainy weather wouldn’t be a concern.


Once a month, an indoor antique, art or craft show, or a yard sale, could be held on one level by individuals renting spaces of varying sizes. This could be on the same day each month (lst Saturday, for instance) to set up a pattern for shoppers. There should be free parking for customers, because fees will be paid by the vendors. This would benefit the downtown retail shops by getting more people downtown who are already in a shopping mood. And, as mentioned in McGee’s article, an upscale cafe or restaurant would be wonderful, too!


Plus, can you imagine how beautiful the July 4th fireworks display would be from the top floor? The "possibilities" are endless.


Susan E. Beagle


Bristol, Va.