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Commission delays decision on $122,000 downtown parking paving proposal
Summary
The Redevelopment Commission discussed a proposal to pave a gravel lot near the Harris property and to reconfigure downtown parking for events; members asked staff for more detail on available TIF funds, drainage and expected parking capacity and postponed a decision for one month.
Commission members spent a sizable portion of the July 8 meeting discussing a proposal to pave and reconfigure downtown parking near the Harris property and the former church lot.
A commissioner outlined a prior 2020 lease with Devel Christian Church and said the Harris property owner indicated willingness to allow public parking and event use if a gravel lot is paved. Paving and drainage work for the south lot was estimated at about $122,000; members cautioned that drainage and alley repairs may add cost and questioned how many net parking spaces the project would yield.
"They would be willing to allow that parking lot to be utilized for more public parking, or events," one commissioner said in describing the Harris owner’s proposal. Commissioners and staff discussed potential lane markings and event-management plans—such as designating colored lanes for processions and funerals rather than individual spaces—and possible future lighting or alley improvements to increase usability.
Questions about fiscal impact led the chair to ask for a one-month delay while staff compiles the commission’s current TIF balance, outstanding commitments and the share that a paving project would represent. "I personally would like another month to, so let me think about this," the chair said.
Why it matters: Downtown parking is a recurring concern for businesses and event organizers; the commission must weigh upfront capital costs, drainage and alley repairs, and the relative share of limited TIF resources before committing funds.
Next steps: Staff will provide the commission with current balances, outstanding commitments and a clearer cost breakdown so members can evaluate whether to fund the paving at a future meeting.
