Taunton council tables plan to take 4 Spring Lane for municipal parking, asks administration to fund parking study

Taunton Municipal Council members on the Committee on Public Property voted to table consideration of acquiring 4 Spring Lane for municipal parking and asked city administration to return with a plan to fund a formal parking study.

Councilors debated whether to use $222,000 from the city—s marketable property program to buy the blighted parcel and later invest roughly $400,000 to clear, pave and stripe a lot for about 90 spaces. Supporters called the parcel —an opportunity— to clean a problem site, create parking that could support downtown growth, and expand municipal lots available for developers seeking parking waivers. Opponents said there is no current demonstrated parking shortage downtown and urged the city to study demand before spending funds.

Proponents including the administration noted an appraisal and title search had been completed, argued the parcel—s location is scarce downtown real estate and said the purchase could be funded from proceeds held in the city—s marketable property account rather than general tax levy. The city—s attorney outlined the eminent-domain process: the council would adopt an order of taking for a stated —public purpose—, record it at the registry of deeds, and pay the owner the appraised value; the owner could later petition the courts for a higher award.

Opponents, including multiple councilors, asked for more current data: when downtown lots are full, how many off-street municipal spaces exist, how many new residential units remain to be built downtown and what parking capacity those developments will require. Councilors also raised costs beyond purchase and construction: long-term maintenance, lighting, plowing, liability and possible remediation costs tied to the parcel's past mill fire and known contaminants. Several councilors recommended seeking grant funding or reappraising only after a study.

After discussion the council approved a motion to table the taking of 4 Spring Lane and to request that administration provide a plan to fund and commission a downtown parking study; the motion carried on a roll-call vote. The committee also asked administration and staff to return with coordinated input from planning, DPW, the finance office and economic development about feasible uses, access issues (Spring Lane/Ware Street rights-of-way), and steps to safeguard the parcel if acquired.

The council directed that no final purchase or eminent-domain action proceed until the study and follow-up recommendations are provided.

Ending: The committee—s vote keeps the property under private ownership for now and requires the administration to give the council a funded plan for a parking study and next steps before the city pursues purchase or a formal taking.