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Space Needs Committee weighs whether to retain IDA-owned parking lot near Belmont School
Summary
The committee discussed an Industrial Development Agency (IDA) parcel used for overflow juror parking near Belmont School, balancing repair costs, drainage problems and limited current usage against possible sale to a prospective buyer.
The Space Needs Committee on Sept. 3 discussed whether the county should take control of an IDA-owned parking lot next to Belmont School or release its interest to a prospective buyer. Commissioners said the lot is in disrepair, has stormwater and drainage issues affecting neighbors and would require significant repair and possible wastewater connection if the county assumed responsibility.
The nut graf: The key questions are (1) how much the county would pay to repair and connect the lot to village utilities, (2) how much use the county would actually get from the site and (3) whether a prospective buyer could share space with county functions. Committee members noted the lot currently serves occasional overflow juror parking but is used much less since new parking was developed nearer the courthouse.
Staff said the IDA has received a letter from its insurance carrier requiring major improvements to the lot and that the IDA has an interested buyer. Tom Windus, superintendent, said the lot could hold about 51 parking spaces. Committee members estimated repair and reconstruction could run well above basic paving costs; participants noted recent paving work on other county lots cost about $30,000, but the drainage and subgrade work required here could multiply that expense.
Committee discussion ranged from giving the parcel to the county and fixing it to releasing the county’s interest and letting the IDA proceed with a sale. One committee member said the county would likely not pay much to acquire the parcel other than the cost to repair it. Staff recommended the next step: Tom Windus should consult with Brian Fenton at the village to determine what the village expects for drainage and wastewater connections, and the committee agreed to place the issue on the Public Works agenda next month for formal consideration by the full department.
Discussion vs. decisions: the subcommittee did not make a binding decision; members asked staff to seek village input, and the item will be referred to Public Works for a formal recommendation.
Ending: Staff will meet with the IDA and village officials and bring findings to Public Works; the committee suggested the IDA be told whether the county will formally decline or pursue the parcel after that follow-up.
