Title
Resolution Requesting that the Downtown Development Authority Prepare a Written Recommendation for the Construction of an Underground Parking Garage on the City-Owned South Fifth Avenue Parking Lot
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown ("A2D2") Parking Strategies Task Force Report demonstrated the immediate need to increase public parking in the Ann Arbor downtown area;
Whereas, The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution R-260-6-07 on June 18, 2007, to approve the recommendations for Parking Policies and Actions developed by the A2D2 Steering Committee, and directed staff to provide a schedule for implementation of the recommended actions including creating additional public parking;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority ("DDA"), in a memorandum dated May 30, 2007, provided to the City Council an alternatives analysis of four sites for possible construction of additional public parking, including the City-owned parking lot on South Fifth Avenue between Liberty Street and William Street ("South Fifth Avenue parking lot");
Whereas, The A2D2 Parking Strategies Task Force Report included the following statement in recognition of the value of constructing underground parking on the South Fifth Avenue parking lot: "The City and the DDA should coordinate with the District Library's current expansion feasibility study. This may present a unique opportunity for joint development of the surface lot adjacent to the site
. A library extension would present a favorable use combination with a structured/ below-grade shared parking facility. The site location is also favorable for meeting existing and future demand in the district, being within close proximity to two heavily used structures - Maynard and 4th & William";
Whereas, The City Council recently approved an addition to the City-owned public parking system at the City-owned parking garage at the corner of Fourth Street and William Street, and recently approved the sale of the City-owned parking lot at the corner of First Street and Washington Street for new development including new public parking spaces;
Whereas, The City Council's top priority for further additions to the City-owned public parking system is to increase the supply of public parking in the midtown area, and this problem must be addressed before other expansions to the public parking system are undertaken; and
Whereas, Certain due diligence is required to insure the provision of appropriate and sufficient parking for dedicated users and the general public, in support of future economic development in the midtown area;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Council request that the DDA, in consultation with the Director of the Ann Arbor District Library, issue a specific written recommendation to the City Council for the construction of an underground parking garage on the South Fifth Avenue parking lot, including the following components:
· A minimum of 500 underground parking spaces, at least 150 of which shall be reserved for public hourly parking and not available for monthly permits;
· The possible construction of a new east-west street, including on-street meter parking, running between Fifth Avenue and Division Street, along the south property line of the Fifth Avenue parking lot;
· The underground parking garage shall be designed to support above ground, in the short-term, surface public parking, and in the long-term, development which could include, but is not limited to, a residential, retail, and/or office building(s) and a public plaza along either Fifth Street or the newly constructed street;
· A proposed timeline for completing the new underground parking garage on or before June 30, 2010;
· Specific cost estimates, including costs for land acquisition (if any); and
· Any noteworthy strategic issues requiring City Council consideration;
RESOLVED, That the DDA's written recommendation shall be delivered to the City Council, if possible, on or before January 11, 2008.