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City approves development agreement to create public green space at Washington Plaza
Summary
The City of Washington unanimously approved a development agreement with Washington Plaza Management LLC to accept a quarter‑acre donation for a new public green space, provide utilities, and support parking improvements through a $50,000 grant and potential low‑interest loan; council said the project supports redevelopment of the Sunnyland/Washington Plaza corridor.
The City of Washington on June 15 unanimously approved a development agreement with Washington Plaza Management LLC that will enable infrastructure improvements and the creation of a quarter‑acre public green space within the Sunnyland/Washington Plaza commercial corridor.
City Administrator Fagan‑Schull introduced the resolution, saying the agreement will allow the city to install sanitary sewer and stormwater utilities needed for the green space and that Washington Plaza Management will donate the parcel to the city through a purchase and sale agreement for a nominal consideration. Under the agreement the city will also administer a $50,000 commercial grant program to assist with parking‑lot resurfacing and may later approve a low‑interest revolving loan not to exceed $85,000 secured by a lien on the property.
Why it matters: Council members said the project aims to revitalize a commercial corridor and create a community gathering space suitable for farmers markets, car shows and other events. The agreement also contemplates a business development district and a quarter‑cent sales tax mechanism that the city could use to reimburse infrastructure costs once the district is implemented.
Alderman Preston Johnson said he was “very, very supportive” and called the proposal “a great idea” that will bring a new community gathering space to a different part of town. Community director John Oliphant and other staff answered council questions about easements, long‑term maintenance, and how the city would recoup infrastructure investments through business‑development‑district revenues if that district is approved and a sales tax enacted.
Council approved the resolution by unanimous vote (motion by Smith; second by Ernst). The vote authorizes staff to finalize the development agreement and proceed with the initial grant and infrastructure planning steps; city staff said more detailed agreements (purchase and sale; access road arrangements) will follow.
The project now moves to implementation steps that include finalizing the land transfer and coordinating utility installation and access improvements.
