Elder: McEuen Plan Expands Parking

Jim Elder (pictured), vice chairman of Lake City Development Corporation, explains in the July newsletter of LCDC why the McEuen Field upgrade isn’t just about an expanded park: ” This monumental project is not just about creating a better, more attractive and alluring park. A big cost of the upgrade almost-70 percent of the $11.5 million dedicated by the Lake City Development Corporation-will go toward improved parking. This initially includes an increase of 124 parking spaces. If the 3rd Street boat launch is relocated to a suitable location, we will gain another 150 spots. Current plans include the reconstruction of Front Avenue, which will provide  diagonal parking slots and increase parking spaces from 40 to 82. The new on-grade McEuen Park parking area will provide 458 spaces, down from the current 490. And improved parking east of City Hall will increase from 79 spaces to 199. All told, parking in the area will increase from 595 to 719. Parking is such an important economic factor. It’s been identified as one of the top three things that a city needs to maintain a healthy business sector. Now is the time to address this crucial need for public parking. The McEuen plan does just that.” More here (2nd item)

• DFO: You can read the recent LCDC newsletter and click around the Web page of the urban renewal district by clicking on the new tile ad in the upper lefthand corner of HucksOnline.

Question: Did you realize that parking will be expanded as part of the McEuen Field upgrade?