Municipal building renovation begins Oct. 6; Columbus Street parking lot construction to add 26 stalls and parking restrictions proposed

Sunbury — City staff told the City Council on Sept. 17 that renovations to the municipal building’s lower level are expected to begin Oct. 6, the Columbus Street municipal parking lot construction will start Sept. 24 and will add 26 parking stalls, and council received a first reading of an ordinance proposing restricted parking hours at the municipal parking lot at 9 East Granville St.

City Administrator Hennessy said contractors are already on site for exterior landscaping and that lower-level construction is slated to begin Oct. 6. The City Engineer reported the Columbus Street parking lot contractor will start clearing and grubbing on Sept. 24 and expects substantial completion in time for Thanksgiving; decorative lighting for the lot may be delayed until after the New Year when poles become available. The engineer specified the project will add 26 parking stalls and cautioned that parking around the municipal building will be tight during construction.

Separately, Hennessy introduced a first reading of Ordinance 2025.28 proposing parking restrictions at the municipal parking lot at 9 East Granville Street to preserve space for staff and the public between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; the ordinance was presented as a reading only and will return for future consideration. The administrator said the city wants to ensure adequate short-term parking for people conducting business with the city while keeping the lot generally public outside restricted hours.

Nut graf: The city is entering a short period of downtown construction and renovation that will affect parking supply; staff have proposed a time-limited parking restriction to prioritize municipal operations and public access during business hours while additional parking is built nearby.

Ending: Work on the municipal building lower level starts Oct. 6; the Columbus Street lot work begins Sept. 24, and the parking-restrictions ordinance remains at first reading for council review.