May 15, 2008 04:33 pm
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Demolishing the city parking ramp was the best decision the Common Council could have made. It couldn’t have come any sooner. Or maybe it could have. But regardless, the decision has been made, now the next steps need to be worked on.
Both ideas seem realistic, in the grand scheme of things, but we do worry about the idea of retail space above the two levels of parking. While it may be a better choice than the park, because of the revenue, we wonder if there isn’t already too much vacant property downtown and on Transit.
With talks of developing Canal Street, already-vacant Benderson properties on Transit and the constant turnover in other popular downtown spots, we wonder how quickly a few storefronts in the ramp’s spot would be rented. It would be taking a big chance.
The last thing the city would want to do is level the ramp, build the beneath-ground levels of parking and build a couple storefronts on spec. Not having the solid commitment before making a decision may be enough to aim for the Fountain park option.
We certainly wouldn’t endorse more vacant buildings downtown.
At least now the Common Council seems to have some direction. It’s ready to get bids for the proposed work, then it will just be a matter of picking one.
If it’s believed stores on Main Street would work, go for it. The more retail, the better. But if the city’s going to do it on spec, we’re not endorsing that.
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