By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
Parking and a pedestrian promenade were again debated at the Oct. 19 Grove City Council meeting.
At the previous October meeting, council voted to postpone legislation to purchase three properties on Park Street for $450,000. The city would use those lots for 19 downtown parking spaces and a pedestrian corridor. At the meeting, some council members thought the money would be better spent on additional parking, instead of a pedestrian promenade.
At the more recent meeting, Grove City administrators introduced legislation to eliminate the pedestrian promenade from the plan.
The pedestrian corridor would connect new residential development, behind City Hall, to the new Grove City Library.
According to Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage, the idea to redevelop the Town Center, including installing a walkway, was approved by council in 2013.
“This has been part of the overall plan,” said Stage.
Councilwoman Laura Lanese believes more downtown parking will be needed, especially when developers build the apartment complex. There is also discussion to relocate City Hall and turn that building into a mixed-use facility that would house a restaurant and office space.
Lanese said if that happens, there would need to be ample parking.
Stage said the plan to relocate City Hall is at least five years out.
Councilman Jeff Davis said even more parking would be needed when the city extends Columbus Street to allow a potential business plaza.
Council president Ted Berry said with all this potential development, a pedestrian promenade would be an important aspect to the plan.
Council voted to postpone the legislation to eliminate the promenade from the plan.
“I am not interested in pulling pedestrian traffic,” said councilman Steve Bennett. “I would just like a more comprehensive look at the whole plan.”
At the next meeting, council is expected to vote on the purchase of two more Park Street properties.
Council had its first reading on the purchase of 3464 Park St. for $100,000 and 3468 Park St. for $200,000. Council is also expected to discuss the postponed legislation to purchase three other Park Street properties for $450,000.
All these properties would address parking in the Town Center.
The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Nov. 2 at City Hall, 4035 Broadway.
