RDA declines to sell downtown parklet; board asks staff to explore lease and other options

The Provo Redevelopment Agency (RDA) board discussed a proposed sale of a small downtown parklet on Oct. 21 after the Harris Group asked to buy the parcel to expand an indoor event venue with an outdoor component. The board ultimately voted 4–1 not to sell the parcel at this time and asked staff to explore alternatives such as a lease.

RDA Director Melissa McNally reviewed the property’s recent appraisal history, ownership background and offers. McNally said one appraisal ordered by staff returned a value of about $315,000 (roughly $104 per square foot). McNally also noted a different comparison—the former city-hall property appraised at about $68 per square foot in 2023—which, applied to the parklet, would yield a lower estimate around $292,000. McNally said the Harris Group initially offered $20,000; later in the discussion staff reported the Harris Group had placed a higher offer of $90,000.

The Harris Group representatives, Carrie and Jason Harris, told the board they seek the parcel (described in materials as about 0.069 acres, a small remnant piece of land) to create an indoor-outdoor event venue that they say would bring economic activity downtown. The Harris Group said it also ordered an appraisal that considered the parcel’s value with current zoning (no development allowed) and reported a much lower value of $25,000; they said they had offered $25,000 based on that appraisal and later increased their offer.

Nut graf: The board’s discussion focused on three competing considerations: the parcel’s current public-use value as a small parklet and streetscape refuge, the uncertain market value depending on whether development is allowed, and the economic-development prospects the Harris Group says it would bring if it owned and maintained the space.

Board members raised concerns about losing public open space downtown, precedent for selling small parklets as the city becomes denser, and operational issues such as maintenance and trespass. Multiple members suggested a lease as an option that would leave ownership with the RDA while permitting the Harris Group to improve and maintain the parcel. Harris representatives said they would maintain landscaping and assume maintenance responsibilities if they obtained the parcel.

Motion and outcome: The RDA board took a nonbinding direction on whether to sell. The board voted 4–1 against selling the parcel at this time (recorded votes: McKay: yes to not sell; Handley: no; Garrett: yes; Whipple: yes; Bogdan: yes), and directed staff to continue discussions that could include leasing arrangements or other terms that protect public open-space interests.

Ending: Board members asked staff to return with options that could include a lease, clarity on maintenance responsibilities and metrics of current public use. McNally and Harris Group representatives said they would continue to work with the board if the group chooses to pursue a nonpurchase arrangement.