Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown business owners tell Sparta council a proposed sale of rear parking lot would harm local shops
Summary
Multiple downtown business owners told the Sparta council they oppose altering or selling a public parking lot behind East Division businesses, saying the 39‑space lot is critical for employees, customers and new businesses and that loss or privatization would harm downtown vitality.
Several downtown business owners urged the Sparta village council to reconsider or more carefully evaluate a proposed sale or redevelopment of a small public parking lot behind East Division businesses.
Jeff Christians, owner of 98 East Division (Print Metro), said his informal survey found about 39 general spaces and two handicap spaces in the lot, daytime utilization around 40–50% but near‑100% during festivals and events, and approximately five overnight vehicles. "Once it's gone, it's always very difficult and expensive to get those spaces back," he said, warning that employees displaced to street parking could undermine downtown commerce.
Amber Marks (219 East Division) told the council she observed 17 cars in the lot on a recent afternoon and said reduced or privatized parking would push employees and customers onto street spaces, which could hurt retail activity. Kendra Afton, owner of Blondie Blossom, said the rear lot was essential to her business’s growth after moving to Division Street last November, reporting daily customer traffic and noting accessibility concerns for elderly or disabled customers.
Councilors responded that feedback from businesses would be solicited and that the initial concept had focused on selective redevelopment of the far south end of the lot rather than wholesale removal. Staff and council said resurfacing would be deferred while the council examines options and hears public comment at the July meeting.
