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City authorizes short‑term leases and temporary parking changes as Market Street garage is removed
Summary
Council approved an ordinance giving the city manager authority to execute short‑term parking leases (up to 24 months), adjust downtown parking rates and temporarily modify on‑street limits to offset loss of the Market Street garage during downtown redevelopment.
Bloomington City Council on Monday approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute short‑term parking leases, reduce or waive fees at city lots and temporarily modify on‑street parking limits to address downtown parking needs tied to the upcoming demolition of the Market Street garage.
City Manager Jurgens said the package is intended to provide “options, options, options” while downtown redevelopment and streetscape work move forward. Staff plan to open roughly 250 additional spaces near the downtown “buckle,” reduce costs at some city lots (the Douglas lot was specifically mentioned) and negotiate leases for private parking spaces to serve visitors and employees.
Key points
- Manager authority: execute short‑term leases for up to 24 months; temporarily reduce or waive fees at city‑owned lots; modify on‑street parking time limits (temporary changes limited to 90 days unless council extends them). - Leasing costs discussed: staff said negotiated rates for private spaces under consideration have been about $50 per month per space; the city manager noted his existing contract authority is $50,000 and suggested council could require a cap on total leasing costs if desired. - Rationale: avoid spending more than $300,000 to maintain the Market Street garage, which is slated for demolition as part of redevelopment, and provide convenient parking for downtown businesses and visitors.
Action
- Motion: Approve ordinance authorizing temporary parking agreements, fee reductions/waivers, and on‑street time limit modifications. - Mover: Council Member Hendricks moved approval; second recorded. - Vote: Passed with no nays announced.
Next steps
Staff said they will implement immediate changes to select on‑street spaces and to the Douglas lot, finalize negotiations for private leases, install signage and carry out outreach to downtown merchants and visitors. The ordinance limits the manager’s authority for the temporary measures to 24 months unless the council chooses to extend it.
Ending
Council members praised staff for a rapid plan to address parking concerns while the downtown project proceeds. Staff indicated they will return to council with details about leases and any material expenditures beyond existing executive authority.
