Council approves lease at University City Boulevard parking deck; small business support requested

The council approved a lease of a city‑owned retail unit (Unit 214) in the University City Boulevard parking deck and discussed small‑business challenges in transit station areas.

Councilmember Renee Johnson asked for historical information about prior tenants at the deck because small businesses near light rail stations have reported high turnover. Staff reported that Unit 214 would be the first retail tenant for that particular unit and that five total retail units exist in the garage; two are occupied by a gym operator who holds two units and the proposed tenant would be the third retail tenant in the set. Staff explained that leases on FTA‑funded or federally assisted property must be at or near market rate and that the city’s commercial property manager generally sets rent based on market comparables. The proposed lease includes an annual escalator (3 percent per year, per the agenda paperwork).

Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate additional outreach and to review whether lease term structures (for example, multi‑year vs. annual adjustments) or alternative city supports could help small businesses thrive in transit corridors. The manager said staff would follow up with the jobs and economic development office and that a study of economic development approaches to support small businesses is underway.

The lease vote was approved by council (voice vote; no opposition recorded in the transcript). Several council members said they would make themselves available for outreach to the tenant and neighboring merchants.