09/29/87 Board of Public Works Minutes

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,8 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 29, 1987 St. Joseph Street and Wayne Street will consist of four hundred forty (440) parking spaces located in six (6) stories. The garage will connect with the IBM building and the former Penny's building. Mr. Hunt reiterated his comments made at the Board meeting held on September 15, 1987, which included details of the study conducted by the Michiana Area Council of Governments regarding a parking space survey as well as funding sources for the proposed facility which will be user fees revenue from repayment of an Urban Development Action Grant for the One Michigan Square project and tax incremental financing revenues. He stated that by the year 2000 it is anticipated that the City will need an additional 3,300 parking spaces to accommodate growth. He also reiterated and Mr. Vance confirmed that the current two (2) municipal parking garages are filled to capacity at this time. Mr. William Farabaugh, 205 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, owner of the Azar's Restaurant property located downtown at the northeast corner of Michigan and Wayne Streets, addressed the Board regarding this matter. Mr. Farabaugh stated that the site of the proposed parking garage is close to the property he owns and there is a strong need for parking. The new garage will help downtown South Bend. Mr. Carter Wolf, Center City Associates, 122 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Board that he supports the construction of the garage and would like to make three (3) points in favor of the proposed parking facility. First, because of the high density on Washington, Michigan and St. Joseph Streets and the future displacement of individuals utilizing parking lots in that area, the garage is needed. Secondly, there is competition between individuals who currently utilize the two (2) hour free shoppers parking lot for business or shopping downtown with individuals who park there for the day. Finally, the garage will be aesthetically pleasing and will be visible to motorists traveling north from the south and coming from the west into downtown South Bend. Mr. Wolf further advised that another restaurant is looking into the area around Michigan and Wayne Streets and more parking spaces will be utilized. Mr.'T. Brooks Brademas, Gateway Center, 425 North Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised the Board that he is in strong support of this concept and with expansion, parking plays a greater and greater role. He suggested that in the design of the garage that the groundlevel floors be utilized for commercial use. In conclusion, he stated that the concept is sound and commended Mr. Jon Hunt and his staff for their efforts in this regard as well as for the methods of financing. Mr. Chris Davey, 227 South Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised the Board that he is the President of the Center City Associates and a real estate agent. He stated that tremendous strides have been made with one and one-half million square feet of new or rehabilitated space added in downtown since 1980. He further stated that parking is a key issue that needs to be addressed as the City has outlived the available supply of parking. Parking garages are the acceptable alternative to surface parking lots. Mr. Davey informed the Board that the new owners of the Sherland Building require available parking. Also, when other currently vacant buildings downtown become occupied, those being the State Theatre and Robertsons, those entities will clso require parking. In conclusion, Mr. Davey was very omplimentary of Mr. Hunt and his staff for addressing this problem and finally advised the Board that it is critical that downtown South Bend have this new parking garage. 1