Free market in parking spaces

Off-street parking is limited in parts of Manhattan, to one parking space for every five dwelling units. Such parking costs a lot, as it should. Austin is stupid for mandating as much off-street parking as it does. Except on major holidays, I've never seen any parking lot anywhere of any sort in this town come close to being full, yet parking requirements are premised on conditions that seldom, if ever, occur. If the City were serious about becoming more "green," it would offer many fewer parking spaces for its employees and, except in true cases of need, they would be assigned by lottery. Parking is never "free." ["For Parking Space, the Price Is Right at $225,000," byline Vivian S. Toy, NYT, July 12]