In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the proposed North Sycamore parking lot project aimed at enhancing downtown parking and pedestrian safety. The project, which spans two blocks from Main Street to Houston Street, was identified as a priority during the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget development due to ongoing parking issues in the area.

The council has allocated an estimated $1.5 million for the project, funded through 2023 Certificates of Obligation. The design contract was approved earlier this year, and residents were notified of the project in July. A stakeholders meeting was held to gather input from local property owners and business operators.

Three options for the project were presented to the council. Option 1 proposes a one-way street with 26 new parking stalls and sidewalks, while Option 1a suggests a one-way configuration without sidewalks, maintaining the existing road width. Option 2 would allow for two-way traffic but would potentially reduce the number of parking spaces available.

Concerns were raised about the impact of sidewalks on existing private parking spots, particularly for a local business that currently utilizes four spots that would be affected by the proposed sidewalk installation. The council acknowledged the need to balance the addition of public parking with the interests of local businesses and residents.

The discussion highlighted the challenges of accommodating both vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the limited space available on North Sycamore. The council is considering feedback from stakeholders as they move forward with the project, aiming to improve parking availability while ensuring safety for pedestrians. Further deliberations are expected as the council weighs the options and their implications for the community.