Proposed parking garage repairs generate discussion
Spring Street Parking Ramp The Spring Street parking ramp is pictured. City Council members are considering a $4.1 million project to repair the ramp over a four-year-period. P-J file photo
The inside of the Cherry Street parking ramp is pictured. A four-year, more than $2 million capital project program to repair the ramp is being considered by City Council members. P-J file photo
City Council members discussed a resolution looking at preparation of documents for parking street garage repairs during their most recent work session. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse
Spring Street Parking Ramp The Spring Street parking ramp is pictured. City Council members are considering a $4.1 million project to repair the ramp over a four-year-period. P-J file photo
The inside of the Cherry Street parking ramp is pictured. A four-year, more than $2 million capital project program to repair the ramp is being considered by City Council members. P-J file photo
City Council members discussed a resolution looking at preparation of documents for parking street garage repairs during their most recent work session. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse
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Structural repairs are needed at both the Cherry Street and Spring Street parking garages in the city, and at least one City Council member wonders if the city should continue owning and operating the facilities.
A resolution was discussed by the City Council's Finance and Public Works committees this week for an agreement with Ryan Biggs Clark Davis to review the ramps and prepare documents related to the scope of structural repair work needed at both parking garages. According to documents filed with the city’s capital budget requests for the 2027 budget, the Cherry Street parking ramp needs a four-year program of structural and protective repairs that include concrete repairs to slabs, beams, columns and walls; crack and joint repairs, traffic coating, drainage, striping and other areas. The total cost for the rehabilitation program is listed as $2,160,000, with short-term work proposed for 2027 costing $522,960. Another $545,680 in work is requested for 2028, 2029 and 2030. So far, no funding has been allocated to the repair project.
Work on the Spring Street parking ramp is estimated to cost $4,100,000, and includes concrete repairs to slabs, beams, columns and walls, crack and joint repair, drainage, traffic coating, striping and related work. Short-term work proposed in 2027 would cost $1,187,000, with work in 2028, 2029 and 2030 projected to cost $971,186 a year. The Spring Street project also has no funding currently allocated, according to the capital budget request.
Work could be more than the amounts estimated in the city's capital budget requests, which is why Ryan Briggs Clark Davis is under consideration by the council to prepare detailed estimates and phased construction documents.
"So, we won't know what repairs are needed or what it's going to cost until we have this work done," Councilman Brent Sheldon, R-Ward 1, said.
It was also said that by the end this project could cost the city millions of dollars, and the possibility of selling the garages was discussed, though it was also noted to not be that easy.
"It's not that easy, I understand that," Councilman Russell Bonfiglio, R-At Large, said. "But, if it's going to cost that to fix things ... if they're in that bad of a shape, then close it down."
There is also no exact estimate right now, as prices continue to increase by the day and the project will be done in phases. What could be found in an estimate tomorrow will not be accurate in six months because of that.
While the resolution was passed by the Finance Committee, the Public Works Committee asked to table it for more discussion and more information, but because it was approved by the Finance Committee the resolution continues on to a vote at the voting session.