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Council approves stopgap repairs for deteriorating Market Street parking garage; demolition tied to Connect Transit plan
Summary
Council approved funding for monthly inspections and design work on the Market Street garage while staff pursue a partnership with Connect Transit for a replacement transfer station; council members raised concerns about recurring costs and long‑term parking solutions.
The Bloomington City Council on July 14 approved temporary repairs and increased inspection frequency for the Market Street parking garage while negotiations continue with Connect Transit over a downtown transfer station and longer‑term redevelopment of the site.
Deputy City Manager Billy Tice told council the structure has continued to deteriorate and that staff are proposing monthly inspections and targeted repairs to keep the garage open for the near term. Staff indicated the immediate request — about $80,000 — covers design and inspection services; repair costs are expected to exceed six figures. “The repair work is likely to exceed six figures,” Tice said.
Council members expressed frustration and asked about alternatives, lease obligations and the garage’s actual daily usage. Staff said about 250 lease spaces exist in the garage but that that figure reflects contracts, not a daily occupancy count. Staff estimated seeing roughly 200 cars in the garage during site visits. Several council members pressed for a larger inventory of deferred maintenance across the city before committing further funds.
Council Member Hendricks moved to approve the request and Council Member Scott seconded. During the roll call the mayor read three nays: Council Members Montney, Strasse and Ward. The motion carried.
Staff told council they are working with Connect Transit on a redevelopment proposal that would build a new downtown transfer station on the garage site while reserving a number of public parking spaces. Staff said an agreement with Connect Transit and other parking options could push a demolition and redevelopment timeline into 2026; until then staff said they would attempt to keep the garage open and safe.
If council had denied the repair funding, staff said the city likely would have had to close the garage and relocate leaseholders to other facilities; the recommended action was framed as a stopgap to avoid an abrupt closure while alternatives are finalized. Staff also said some lease agreements are part of longer redevelopment contracts and the city could be required to provide notice and mitigation if the garage were closed.
Council asked staff to return with more detailed information about lease terms, daily occupancy and a citywide inventory of deferred maintenance so elected officials could weigh long‑term options against recurring emergency repair costs.
