Defining the Problem

Missoula Parking Commission staff have identified that the root of the problems related to parking in the area* around Hellgate High School is capacity.

Because of this, we then see an increased number of safety-related parking violations in the area. These include vehicles blocking driveways and sidewalks, parking too close to crosswalks or fire hydrants, or creating visibility issues in yellow zones.

Background and Engagement

Parking management of the area around Hellgate High School is part of the Missoula Parking Commission’s greater Hip Strip Expansion project. A detailed description of the criteria met for expansion is available on the Parking Commission page.

Please note that the immediate area around Hellgate High School, from S Higgins Ave to Hilda Ave and from S 6th St E to Daly Ave was included in the Parking Commission's jurisdictional boundary prior to the Hip Strip Expansion project. The project has served as a catalyst to explore parking management options to address issues in the area.

The next steps for this project are to engage more directly with each of the user groups that compete for parking in the area: residents, employees, Hellgate students and staff, and visitors. Each user group has a unique set of needs requiring unique management solutions. These user groups and the associated parking demands are also expected to shift with upcoming development projects in the area.

Key Learnings

Exploration of Solutions

In exploring the problem, we have identified three potential solutions based on our knowledge of parking management tools and our understanding of the stakeholder needs in the area.

At this time, we have stopped exploring a permit program as shown below as a potential option. We recognize that it is not the right tool for the area.

Future Engagement

We are looking forward to continuing to engage with the greater Hellgate community to better understand how we can best meet this unique set of needs. We will keep this page updated as future engagement events are scheduled.

The 'Provide your input!' tool closed to new comments on Wednesday, May 13. All comments up to this point will be posted on this page in their entirety, along with responses from staff to address common themes.

Following an initial comment period, our team will post a survey and map to this page. With this survey, we hope to learn more about perspectives on parking, how, when, and where the parking is being utilized, and what is important to Hellgate community members.

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