CRA staff brief board on parking-lot phases, RFP for public‑private partnership and park repairs

CRA staff told the board on July 28 that several downtown infrastructure projects are progressing but some remain delayed while technical issues are resolved or legal reviews finish. Staff said Phase 1 of the downtown parking lot project is nearing completion and credited parks staff for recent aesthetic improvements. Phase 2 is planned for fiscal year 2026 and will include resurfacing and striping, replacement of landscape medians, updated light fixtures and new bike racks; staff said the work will not change the parking layout and the agency will maintain the city-required minimum of 100 parking spaces. A damaged wayfinding sign adjacent to proposed new construction may be removed; staff will add a specific agenda item at the next meeting so the public has an opportunity to object before removal. The Lowsby vehicle parking lot project has been delayed: site work and surveying identified unanticipated drainage needs, and staff now expects mid-August for revised drawings. Staff said the public–private partnership draft request for proposals (RFP) is in the last stage of internal legal review and will also be reviewed by redevelopment attorney Cliff Shepherd before issuance. The RFP will be open approximately 90 days; staff plans a pre-bid public meeting so potential developers can ask questions before submitting proposals. South Beach Park parking lot is showing significant deterioration; public works is scoping the root cause rather than applying a temporary asphalt patch. Once public works reports back, staff will recommend a comprehensive fix. Pier parking-lot mural work is expected to finish in about two weeks; staff said the interior floors are being resurfaced and the city hopes to encumber funds for two additional public restrooms before the fiscal year ends. For the Latham Plaza public project, staff said 90% design drawings are imminent and the next steps include bid issuance, a team review of bidders, a recommendation to the board and then council approval for contract award; construction start dates may be delayed by existing event schedules.