Council signals support to remove one downtown parking space to enable Bronx building redevelopment

Interim City Administrator Dennis Carr introduced a downtown redevelopment request to remove one on‑street parking space in the city lot adjacent to the former Bronx building so the owner could add a secondary entrance from the north façade. Planning Director John Oliphant described the property as roughly 4,000 square feet and about 120 feet deep; owners are considering splitting the building into two or three tenant spaces to make it suitable for retail and office uses.

Oliphant told council that dividing the building and providing an access point from the north facade would require removing one parking space in the adjacent city‑owned lot and that the building sits within the Square Historic District, so any physical changes would also need Historic Preservation Commission approval. He asked council for early input before the applicant completes formal plans.

Several alderpersons said they supported sacrificing one space to bring new businesses to the square, noting the front half would be most attractive to retail while the rear could be office or secondary retail. Planning staff confirmed the building is zoned C‑2 and that one fewer parking space would not violate ADA or access requirements. Council gave staff direction to proceed with the applicant to the next steps of review and Historic Preservation Commission referral.