The City of Rockwall looks for ways to improve Thursday night event parking.

I’m thinking that some of the businesses that are having a hard time could find ways to make lemonade from their perceived lemon. Cinemark, for example, could lower their ticket prices on that night to lure people coming and going from the concert. Make up in volume what you might lose on individual prices. I know I’d be tempted to take in a show knowing I could save on a ticket after the music’s done.

Until there is substantial additional areas (garages/multi-level) provided, the various options (remote parking with shuttle service, car pooling, bicycling, etc.), each contributing small bits of relief, seem to be the only immediate solution.  One I have not heard about is perhaps promoting off-shore attendance (private or party boats).  Again, only a small, but additional, contribution to the solution.
As for the merchants, in addition to the theatre offering special concert night prices, the local restaurants might offer special “take-out” or “brown bag” dinners and/or special “after the concert” dinners/snacks and beverages.  Also, sidewalk kiosk might bring in a few dollars.

Free concerts are nice, but the problem could be solved by charging for parking at the harbor on Thursday nights. Why should everything be free, especially if its causing problems for the businesses down there? Sporting events have parking areas that eat up a good chunk of game night money. What would be wrong with the harbor charging $5 to $10 a car on concert nights? The money could go toward the stores and restaurants. Charging for parking would also encourage people to ride together. Friends can meet somewhere and go in one car, instead of meeting at the harbor. There are way too many cars at the harbor on Thursdays. Something needs to be done. The concerts are free, there can be free parking in the upper lots, but is the public really entitled to free premium parking too? I don’t think so. If people have a good time at the concerts they shouldn’t mind paying a little to keep the concerts going.

No wonder half the shops at The Harbor have gone out of business! If the city is delivering 4,500-5,000 people to the collective doorsteps of Harbor merchants every Thursday night, that should be a business owner’s dream! The city should be commended for the great job it’s doing drawing people to The Harbor. Now it’s up to the businesses to stop whining and start converting these concertgoers into lasting customers.

I partially agree with Babboo - I don’t see much from the businesses there, and feel like they assume everyone will shop with them because of the location. If people don’t know who they are, or what they sell, why should they assume people will go to their store when they go down on concert nights? On the other hand, I hear the rent is really high and the Harbor is not managed well (putting it kindly and mildly). Maybe they’ve just given up.

Been to that particuliar concert but just noticed people were there just to see the concert! LOL!

Regards,
softpout