City staff authorized to pursue negotiations for downtown parking lot from private owner

City staff were directed by consensus to pursue negotiations to acquire two privately owned downtown parcels that together contain 78 parking spaces, city staff said during the meeting.

Miss Van Ervin, a city staffer, asked the commission to authorize the city manager to enter negotiations with Highlands 14313 LLC, owned by Larry Guilford, to purchase the two parcels. Van Ervin said the parcels already contain developed parking, including lighting, landscaping and perimeter fencing, and that the lots contain 76 standard spaces and two designated handicap spaces. The parcels are located within the block bounded by Medill Avenue, Seventh Street, Robinson Avenue and Sixth Street, a staff memo said.

Owner Larry Guilford told the commission the lot was built as a developed parking area—including striping, lighting and two entrances—and that the site includes an on-site stormwater retention system approved by the relevant permitting agency. Guilford said he had been approached about a sale and offered the city a first opportunity to consider acquisition.

Commissioners expressed support for staff to pursue the matter further, noting the lot’s proximity to recent alleyway and CRA (community redevelopment) improvements and that additional public parking in the downtown core would support events and the walking-oriented revamp of the area. Commissioner Shive said the property “is an opportunity we really can’t miss,” and staff said the CRA budget could be an appropriate funding source.

Staff said the next steps would include authorizing an independent property appraisal and returning a final offer and contract to the commission for approval. The commission gave staff direction to proceed; no formal roll-call vote was taken, and staff said a final offer would be brought back for commission approval.