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Chair urges commission to reconsider 115 South 2nd Street as downtown parking option
Summary
Board members and residents revisited the possibility that the city could pursue 115 South 2nd Street for downtown parking or a mixed-use redevelopment, but staff and local speakers said the city commission showed little interest and funding constraints make a purchase unlikely without a clear financing plan.
Chair opened discussion by reporting they had sent a letter to the commission recommending the body look again at 115 South 2nd Street now that it is back on the market and asking the group whether the board should pursue alternative financing, such as a public–private partnership.
Chip Ross, who identified himself to the meeting with an address, said he raised the board’s recommendation to the city commission and encountered “dead silence” from commissioners when he mentioned the idea. He and other participants warned the property’s seller is asking a high price and the parcel sits in a floodplain, both of which limit options for residential density and height.
Interim City Manager Jeremiah Glisan told the group that the commission’s current priorities and the ongoing budget/rollback-rate process constrain available funds, and that any new discretionary funds are likely to be directed at downtown revitalization projects rather than buying land for parking. He also noted staff is pursuing near-term work to add street parking elsewhere, including a paving and widening project on North 7th Street expected to add roughly 20 to 30 spaces depending on wetland delineation.
Board members discussed possible next steps short of purchase: commissioning an appraisal to inform an RFP, approaching the property owner to gauge receptivity to lease-purchase terms, or seeking an enterprising developer to propose a mixed-use building with retail fronting 2nd Street and parking behind. One participant urged that the board return with concrete numbers and financing options before asking the commission to act.
The board agreed to have staff and Jenny (project lead referenced in the discussion) continue outreach and return with options and any appraisal results for further consideration by the board and, if appropriate, the commission.
