The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Caltrain commuters irk Charles Street residents

By Stephen Baxter

Sunnyvale Caltrain commuters unwilling to pay for garage parking are drawing complaints from some residents on the 100 block of Charles Street.

Despite signs that forbid weekday parking for more than seven hours, residents say the street is choked with commuters' cars before and after the workday. Monica Davis, president of the Charles Street 100 Neighborhood Association, said commuters have also left trash, taken two parking spots and even been rude to residents.

"We've had a problem with people parking there and not at the Caltrain station," she said.

City spokesman John Pilger said the city stepped up parking enforcement in September with new three- and seven-hour parking limits that were developed with downtown businesses. Residents can also call authorities when they see cars overstaying their welcome, he said.

Sunnyvale transportation and traffic manager Jack Witthaus has helped neighbors with traffic issues, Davis said, but Witthaus declined to comment for the Sun.

The five-story, 477-spot Caltrain garage was built in 2003. On weekdays it is often busy or full, but a city-owned lot across Evelyn Avenue does not charge and often has spaces. It is under Plaza del Sol.

Sunnyvale Vice Mayor Tony Spitaleri, an advocate of rail travel, said he was surprised at the parking situation on a recent weekday trip to San Francisco. At about 9:30 a.m., the Caltrain garage was so packed he had to park on the upper deck. He said the city treads a fine line between encouraging train ridership and allowing neighborhood parking, and the Charles Street situation deserved attention.

"I think it needs to be looked at; I understand it can be an annoyance," Spitaleri said.

He also suggested a portion of the Plaza del Sol garage be dedicated to commuters.

Other streets around the train station may also be clogged with commuters' cars, especially since a n access to the train station on Hendy Avenue was formally opened last fall. A city review of parking rules on Hendy is due this spring.

"We as a city try to remain responsive to any concerns--these are issues that go directly to the quality of life," Pilger said.

Cars that should be ticketed can be reported to the Department of Public Safety at 408.730.7100. For cars parked more than 72 hours, call the abandoned vehicle hotline at 408.730.7706.