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Council approves engineering to extend sewer and create public space at Washington Plaza
Summary
Council authorized staff to begin a $15,000 engineering study to extend sanitary sewer into Washington Plaza so the city can create public open space, a restroom and support future small-business incubators; members asked for easements and durable parking reconstruction in any agreement.
Council gave staff direction to begin engineering work — funded at an estimated $15,000 — to extend sanitary sewer into Washington Plaza and to plan a quarter-acre public open space and outlot. John Oliphant and EDC Chair Bobby Martin described a conceptual, phased approach that includes public restroom infrastructure, electrical hookups for food trucks and space for small vendors or pop-up businesses.
Bobby Martin said the property owner, Sam Tayabali, is willing to donate the land for a park and that neighboring property owners have signaled support to improve roadway access. Martin described the concept as a “blank canvas” intended to catalyze events such as farmers markets, live music and seasonal programming. He said the city would be responsible for building and maintaining the park and that the sewer extension would also enable future development in the plaza.
Council members asked staff to include safeguards and agreements that would require durable parking-lot reconstruction and permanent easements or license agreements where the city would maintain the space long term. Alderperson Moss noted the property is uniquely surrounded by private parcels and recommended careful legal/maintenance language. The council voted to proceed with the engineering work and asked staff to return with draft agreements and scope details.
