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Residents and historical-society members urge caution on downtown parking easement, trolley and apartment plans
Summary
Public commenters at the June 9 Lebanon City Council meeting asked the city to reconsider permanent parking easements on the square, support a proposed trolley and press for plan changes to nearby apartment projects that residents say encroach on historic-property porches and gardens.
Neighborhood residents and members of the Lebanon Historical Society used the council’s public-comment period on June 9 to press the city about downtown parking, a proposed trolley, and compatibility of new apartment plans with adjacent historic properties.
Greg Peterson, who identified himself as president of the Lebanon Historical Society, said the city should avoid permanently giving away parking that could limit downtown’s future options and described placing a trolley on the square as a way to attract visitors and preserve the town’s character. "If we give away this parking for free forever ... there might be that highway that bypasses Lebanon," Peterson said, arguing a trolley and trees could be a focal point to encourage visitor spending.
Peterson also praised local business owners by name in describing community contributions. Ron Tramy, who identified himself as a member of the Historical Society, said later that the society and the property owner have internal disagreements and that the matter is not settled by the society; he asked the public to understand differences of opinion within the organization.
Several residents raised direct compatibility concerns about a proposed Live With Us LLC apartment plan. Lori Phillips said the current plans include a row of large egress windows she described as "36 by 60" that would face into the Historical Society’s porch and gardens. "They're going to have six to nine windows that are 36 by 60 facing into the gardens," Phillips said, and she asked staff and the council to pursue plan revisions or a variance timeline so the historical building would not be harmed.
Another resident, identified as Sharon, said proposed siting of a kitchen near St. Lewis Street would take about one-third of a green space, endanger tree root zones and increase stormwater runoff; she urged use of permeable pavement or design changes to reduce impervious surface.
Council members did not take immediate action during the meeting on easements, trolley siting, or apartment plan changes; council and planning staff noted the issues involve property-owner negotiations, special-usage or variance processes and follow-up outside the meeting record. Members of the Historical Society said they expected to continue internal discussion and to return as needed to the council or planning commission for formal review.
