Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks‑and‑public‑space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes application for CIF planning funds for Atlantic Street park; some councilors question timing and parking
Summary
Council authorized an application for $250,000 in CIF Round 7 planning funds for a proposed park on Atlantic Street behind the former Day building. Several councilors supported the proposal as a downtown placemaking element; others raised concerns about parking and limited sunlight at the site.
The council authorized the mayor to apply for up to $250,000 in Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 7 funds to plan a public park on Atlantic Street between the parking garage and the site of the former Day building.
Supporters, including Councilor Peck, said adding green space would enrich downtown, encourage foot traffic and provide a place for visitors and residents to linger between events and businesses. Councilor Peck noted the proposal is part of a broader developer vision to create a connective open space that flows into Parade Plaza and to include a small playscape for children.
Councilor Sadi and others questioned the choice of site because Atlantic Street runs between built structures and a parking garage, and they noted shade and pedestrian traffic patterns may limit active use of the park. Councilor Sadi also raised concerns about parking capacity, particularly given anticipated visitors to the soon‑to‑open Coast Guard Museum.
City staff and the mayor said the proposal is intended as a planning request — to fund design and public engagement for a park that would be integrated with adjacent redevelopment — and not as final construction funding. The council approved the application authorization; the meeting transcript records the motion carrying, but the vote tally in the record is not clearly stated in the agenda minutes.
