Resident urges Mount Lebanon to preserve parking, EV chargers and accessibility in South Garage redevelopment

John Becker, a resident of Washington Square Condominium, read a letter into the record at the July 21 Planning Board meeting urging municipal officials to protect access to the South Parking Garage as redevelopment plans advance.

Becker said Washington Square has 123 residential units with approximately 200 residents and several commercial tenants that rely on the garage. "We respectfully ask that when plans are being considered, that the disruption that will occur be minimized to the extent that it can be," he read, and asked that any redesigned facility provide continuing access from the building and preserve the same number of parking spaces for the condominium.

The letter also requested that the existing EV charging stations remain part of any new plan and that additional plugs be considered. Becker asked that handicap-accessible parking spaces be located near the condo’s entrance on the fourth floor and urged municipal boards — including the planning board, mobility and transportation board, and resiliency advisory board — to include comprehensive language in the forthcoming request for proposals to protect resident and business access.

The planning board acknowledged receipt of the letter; staff and commissioners did not take formal action on the request during this meeting. Becker closed by noting the condominium’s long relationship with the municipality and the importance of preserving parking access for both residents and local businesses.