This Loveland Magazine file photo shows where a new surface lot is proposed. Visitors to Historic Downtown already use the semi-improved lot for parking. Much of the soil will be removed if a new lot is constructed. Previously an “Indian Mound” was thought to be at the site.
Loveland, Ohio – On May 9, City Manager Dave Kennedy proposed to City Council that a new surface parking lot be constructed on city-owned property located at 213 N. 2nd Street in Historic Downtown. The city previously planned for the construction of a two-storied downtown parking garage on the property. Approximately 275 new parking spaces were proposed on the parcel which the taxpayers purchased in 2019. The land is behind City Hall and adjacent to the Works Restaurant between First Street and S.R. 48.
The cost of the garage was estimated to be $6,292,627, which amounted to almost $23,000 per/vehicle.
In a May 9 memorandum to City Council, Kennedy said:
“Recognizing that there is not currently a viable outside funding source to reduce the amount of debt funding needed to construct the parking garage, and realizing the impact that the COVID pandemic has had on inflating construction costs, city staff is proposing that we pivot and utilize grant monies already awarded to the city, for construction of a surface parking lot in the same location as the proposed parking garage.”
Kennedy added, “If a surface parking lot is the desired direction of City Council, we anticipate being able to construct a lot, similar to the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Area with a minimum of 140 spaces.” The Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking Area near Eads Hardware and Loveland Canoe and Kayak has 125 spaces.
The surface lot would provide vehicular and pedestrian access to and from State Route 48 into the downtown business district, according to the City Manager.
In preparation for the eventual construction of either a garage or surface lot the City contracted with the firm Environment & Archaeology to complete both a Geophysical Survey and a Phase I Archaeological Survey in an effort to determine if “cultural resources” were on the land. Previously, an “Indian Mound” was thought to be at the site. The supposition was based on an 1848 map of Loveland. In his report, Kennedy said that archaeological survey determined that the possible Indian Mound consisted of fill dirt and not a “pre-contact cultural feature”. The archeological studies cost $40,020. (Questions arise about possible Native American remains and “Mound” at site of proposed Parking Garage in the Historic District)
To date, the city has received $900,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Capital Budget which is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and $250,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a total of $1,150,000. ODNR receives $18,000 of the capital funding for project administration. This reduces the total available to the City to $1,132,000.
In April of 2022 resident Lauren Enda said at a council meeting that according to Loveland’s Director of Finance, Mark Medlar, Loveland taxpayers had already spent $980,000 on purchasing the site, demolition, and design engineering for the “multi-million dollar” proposed garage. Enda had advocated for residents to be given the chance to vote the proposed parking garage up or down at the ballot box.
Kennedy reported to Council, “Although the estimated cost for construction of the surface lot will not be known until the design process is completed, the project engineer feels that a surface parking lot and underground detention can be constructed with the existing grant funding. To assure there is adequate funding to complete the project with maximum parking space and acknowledging that construction will extend into 2024, city staff recommends earmarking all FY2024 Downtown TIF revenue towards project costs which may exceed the grant funding. Utilizing Downtown TIF dollars towards the surface lot is a proper use of these funds as they are directly generated by private investment into the downtown district.”
The report recommended that all parking be free of charge.
The total cost of the engineering and design proposal is estimated to be $51,500. Kennedy said the project would be completed by May of 2024.
A resolution was introduced authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with McGill Smith Punshon Design for design and engineering services related to the construction of the downtown surface parking lot. All Council members approved moving forward with the revised plan.
