Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by multi-story parking garages in various cities, particularly issues related to underutilization, management problems, and safety concerns, despite their potential to alleviate parking difficulties in urban areas [1][2][3]. Group 1: Issues with Multi-Story Parking Garages - Many multi-story parking garages are built but remain unused or underutilized, leading to significant resource waste [2][5]. - Specific cases are mentioned, such as a parking garage in Gansu that has not officially opened despite being completed in April 2022, and another in Jiangxi that poses safety hazards due to poor construction [1][2]. - The construction of these garages often incurs high costs, with individual parking spaces ranging from 12,000 to 100,000 yuan, making their underutilization financially detrimental [2][3]. Group 2: Management and Operational Challenges - Post-construction management issues are prevalent, with some garages requiring annual subsidies for maintenance, which the managing companies cannot afford [2][5]. - There are instances where garages were built to meet regulatory requirements rather than actual demand, resulting in high vacancy rates [3][5]. - Some garages have been left incomplete due to regulatory violations, further exacerbating the parking shortage in surrounding areas [5][6]. Group 3: Design and Regulatory Concerns - Many garages are designed based on outdated standards, which do not accommodate the dimensions of modern vehicles, particularly electric cars, leading to usability issues [7][10]. - The design often prioritizes the number of parking spaces over functionality, resulting in spaces that are difficult to use and unsafe [7][10]. - There is a call for updated regulations and standards to improve the design and usability of mechanical parking facilities [10]. Group 4: Potential Solutions and Recommendations - Experts suggest conducting thorough assessments of idle parking garages to identify reasons for underutilization and explore repurposing options, such as converting them into community spaces [9][10]. - Successful examples of revitalizing old parking garages through modernization and increased capacity have been noted, indicating a path forward for similar projects [9][10]. - For garages that cannot be repurposed, recommendations include coordinated efforts for their safe demolition to avoid negative impacts on urban aesthetics and safety [10].