Lack of parking space threatens Garda ice cream parlor: regular customers stay away!

Lack of parking space threatens Garda ice cream parlor: regular customers stay away!

The changes on Outer Mariahilfer Straße are causing a lot of conversation, especially for local business people. Raffaello Zanoni, operator of the popular “Garda” ice cream parlor, experienced the effects of the renovation first hand. The renovation work began in August of the previous year, which was initially characterized by persistent noise and the constant presence of construction site vehicles. This meant that Zanoni had to dismantle his popular bar and only be able to rebuild it in the spring under new, strict conditions. Among these, uniform parasols without logos and thin glass borders are required. Heaters are also a thing of the past, which has angered some of his loyal guests.

A major problem is the loss of parking spaces. Many regular guests who traditionally came to the ice cream parlor by car have stayed away due to the new circumstances. An additional obstacle was the closure of the nearby Intersport garage, which previously served as an important contact point for drivers. “I have received a number of emails from customers telling me that they are no longer coming because of the lack of parking spaces,” says Zanoni.

The challenges for local businesses

To help his loyal customers, Zanoni finally implemented a little creative maneuver: He rented three parking spaces in a garage and gave the keys to his regular customers. Nevertheless, the current challenges should not be underestimated. One-way routes and long detours put many people off, and the fear of noisy groups of homeless people also contributes to the greatly changed atmosphere. “Unfortunately, after 30 years, many people don't come anymore,” notes Zanoni, but remains optimistic that his ice cream parlor will stay open until just before Christmas and even plans to offer an additional display case for pastries.

In comparison, Innere Mariahilfer Straße has become a popular place for pedestrians thanks to its renovation in 2014, which was supported by a majority of residents. Despite the successes, there are also downsides here: vacancies and large construction sites in the subway are affecting the number of customers in many stores. The decline is often attributed to the rise in online shopping - not just the parking issue. The fear that small shops on the inner Mariahilfer Straße will be pushed out is also present. On the outer side, however, there is a strong demand for larger, well-known stores to attract more foot traffic, which influences the view of the street's future development.

The vision for a car-free future

The discussion about car-free zones is becoming increasingly louder in Vienna and other cities. On “World Carfree Day” many cities are showing what reduced motorized mobility can look like. A survey shows that 29 percent of people in Germany can imagine life without cars. In urban areas in particular, interest in this is increasing, especially among younger people. This brings numerous benefits: less traffic, more space for pedestrians and cyclists and a significant improvement in air quality.

Cities with well-developed public transport networks and less car traffic tend to attract more tourists. Initiatives such as transforming the Outer Mariahilfer Straße into a more inviting environment could therefore also benefit local trade in the long term. The growing support for such measures suggests that the population's attitude towards mobility strategies will continue to change in the coming years. Citizen participation and dialogue are essential in order to create acceptance and illustrate the positive effects of the renovation measures.

The coming months will show whether Raffaello Zanoni and his ice cream parlor on Outer Mariahilfer Strasse can get back on their feet and whether the measures to revitalize the area will be fruitful. One thing is certain: the demand for an appealing mix of industries and attractive lounges will continue to have a significant influence on the business climate in this traditional shopping street in the future.

Information about the developments on Mariahilfer Straße can be found in the reports from meinkreis.at as well as courier.at. You can find further insights into the topic of car-free cities at stiftungfuerzukunftsfragen.de.