Moscow’s newest leasing company, Identity, offers a slew of features and amenities, including resident parking.
But as residents are hitting the eight-month mark of living in the new complexes, some have found parking to be more of a hassle than an amenity.
“From the time I moved until January, parking was a huge problem,” said Jesus Galvan, a second-year University of Idaho student and Identity resident.
The complex features 132 apartments, with living areas for 397 residents, according to Rachel Goldstein, regional manager for CA Management Services. Only 176 parking spots are available, with bike rack availability in 233 spots.
City of Moscow Planning Manager Mike Ray said the mitigation plan for Identity included a total of 213 parking spaces and 262 bicycle spots.
Goldstein said Identity residents can secure a parking spot by signing a parking agreement. Once all spots were secured, a wait list was started.
“Anyone on that list, or anyone still needing parking, is responsible to find their own spot,” Goldstein said. “The Identity team does not advise on where those spots are.”
Although parking is listed as a featured amenity for residents, there is a monthly fee to park on site, with assigned parking spots for each pass.
Fourth-year student Ismael Casiano had his car towed without warning when parking in the Identity lots. After being towed, he began parking near a different complex where he was towed again.
Casiano said after he got towed a second time, he was at a loss on where to park — resorting to parking behind A&W.
Ray, with the city, said the CA Management went through a planned unit development process (PUD), which allows departures from some requirements.
“As part of the PUD, the developer requested approximately 47 percent reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces that are provided on site,” Ray said.
While this decision was approved because of Identity’s central location and to promote walking, biking and public transportation, many residents who don’t use their cars everyday still need a place to park.
Director of University of Idaho Parking and Transportation Services, Rebecca Couch said the President’s office heard complaints from Identity Residents about the parking issues, leading the Parking and Transportation Center to allow Identity Residents to purchase purple economy passes. The passes allowed residents to have 24-hour parking in the lot near the Kibbie Dome.
Galvan said for the first three months the parking lot was even available for parking, but he was charged a monthly fee to assure that he would have a spot when the lot opened.
“It has been a s—-y thing with parking especially because we have a contract with them and they are not keeping their side,” Galvan said.
On March 4, Identity residents received an email stating that there were no longer assigned parking spots at the complex, although residents were being charged more for front row parking.
Representatives from the Identity Moscow Office declined to comment.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell