Plan commission will eye downtown parking ramp
JANESVILLE — If you think parking is a problem in downtown Janesville, then Monday’s plan commission meeting will be music to your ears.
At 6:30 p.m. Monday, the plan commission will see architectural plans for a new parking ramp in downtown Janesville on the corner of Parker Drive and Wall Streets.
The city council will see the plans May 11.
According to a memo from city staff:
The proposed four-level ramp would hold 225 cars. It would be built on the current city-owned lot that has 84 stalls.
Construction would cost $4.4 million. City staff, who recommend the city move forward with the proposal, prepared a slightly smaller alternative plan.
The alternative 3.5-level ramp would cost $4.1 million and hold 185 cars.
The plan would allow for a fifth level to be built in the future.
The parking ramp would be a boost to downtown businesses, according to a memo to the commission from city staff.
“Today’s society requires convenient access and parking for successful business locations,” the memo states. “Without adequate parking in close proximity to major activity centers, current development efforts will languish.”
Drivers would access the ramp from North Parker Drive or East Wall Street.
A bridge could connect the ramp to the adjacent building at 101 E. Milwaukee Street.
A former parking ramp, which was demolished in 2001, had a similar bridge. That ramp had 179 spaces.
If the plan commission and city council approve the proposal, the city could take bids in August and construction could start in September. That would mean the project would be finished in spring 2010.
The city would work with businesses whose customers use the ramp to find alternative parking during construction.
IF YOU GO
What: City of Janesville Plan Commission discussion about proposed downtown parking ramp
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Council chambers, City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St., Janesville.
To learn more: Visit www.ci.janesville.wi.us. Click on “agenda materials” and click through to “plan commission.”
May 3, 2009 at 10:37 a.m.
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While I admire Janesvilleans' positive thinking, I have to agree with the other 2 posters from a practical standpoint. You can't borrow your way to prosperity. The tax base of this town IS going to diminish. If the problems that Flint MI and the Quad Cities in IL endured in the 80's are any indication it will be 15 or 20 years before things really turn around. If Janesville wants a parking facility, do what reasonable people do.....Save for it. The price seems significant enough for this to be a referendum issue. But I am not really knowledgeable enough on the topic to say.
May 2, 2009 at 11:05 p.m.
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This is a capital project. It will be paid for by bonds payable over many years. The recession will only last months. Even with GM gone, Janesville's economy is likely to improve, although it might take longer than in the rest of the country. For that reason investing in Janesville's OTHER businesses seems even more important.
May 2, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
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These idiots don't listen to any one,haven't you people figured this out yet! I say if parking is needed,and the one's who profit from it,are the businesses,then let them PAY for it,we the people don't get zip out of them spending "OUR" tax dollars,RIGHT! There's 7777777 mil.so far this year they think they need (WANT),so far. I probably missed something though.
May 2, 2009 at 5:53 p.m.
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Again projects like this have to be put on the backburner until we get through these trying times. I just don't understand doing things like this right now or even thinking about it. Things are going to get pretty bad around here and anything than can be done to save us tax dollars should be done. Like putting all projects on hold that are not needed. We have not had a parking ramp for a decade- why not put it on hold until we get through this mess????!!
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