City accepts donation of Block 49 parcel from United Church of Christ for downtown parking improvements

The Yankton City Commission approved March 24 the donation of a parcel in Block 49, Tod’s Addition, from the United Church of Christ for use in public parking improvements.

City staff told the commission the parcel sits north of Fourth Street in the Walnut Street corridor, an area that has had long-standing parking shortages. Staff said parking improvements were included in the city’s 2025 budget and that accepting the donation would allow the city to design and construct a public parking lot, with the option to revert the land to the church if the city ultimately does not complete the project.

Staff said the church uses the adjacent area at times and had requested that more accessible stalls be included than might normally be provided in a public lot; staff indicated that design can accommodate that request. Officials said the project remains in preliminary design and the exact number of parking stalls has not yet been determined. "We're hopeful this is a win-win situation where the church donates the property and the city constructs a parking lot that serves the neighborhood and city services," staff said.

A representative of the United Church of Christ attended the meeting and voiced support; no opposition was raised during the public comment period. The commission approved the acceptance by roll call vote.

Staff will proceed with preliminary design, including circulation and access considerations, and will return with design and stall-count details for final approval. If construction does not proceed within the timeline contemplated in the donation agreement, the deed includes a reversion clause returning the property to the church.