City approves temporary parking license with Townsquare to preserve downtown parking during mall transition

The City Council approved a temporary, revocable parking license agreement with Townsquare Development Group LLC to preserve public access to a portion of the Redlands Mall parking lot while the private owner prepares redevelopment and demolition activities.

Ross Whitman (economic development coordinator) told the council the Mall lot has historically served as a key parking resource for downtown; Townsquare agreed to allow continued public access during transition to reduce parking disruptions for downtown businesses and major events. The agreement’s initial term extends through April 7, 2029 but is designed to be flexible and terminable with short notice; staff said the city may terminate the agreement earlier once construction activity begins.

The agreement calls for a monthly lease payment of $29,084 (approximately $349,008 annually). Funding for the remainder of the current fiscal year (about $81,000) was available in the Facilities and Community Services development budget, and future costs were to be included in the city’s biannual budget. The contract includes a per‑space reimbursement formula if parts of the lot become unavailable due to construction.

Public speakers were split: the Redlands Chamber supported preserving parking for downtown events and economic activity; other commenters criticized previous city decisions related to mall ownership and emphasized the mall owner’s leverage. City staff said demolition timing had been delayed while the owner resolved AQMD items and that demolition would proceed after the city’s bike classic event protections were removed.

Council approved the agreement by motion and roll call.