#2 Presentation, discussion and direction to staff regarding the downtown parking plaza
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS MEMORANDUM
August 3, 2012
TO: City Council
FROM: Carl Weber, Public Works Director
Duane Cherek, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation, discussion and direction to staff regarding the Downtown
Parking Plaza.
Summary
The Parking Plaza is a single level parking structure which fully spans the Rock River in
downtown Janesville and provides with adjacent upland areas approximately 275 parking
stalls. The structure is approaching the end of its useful life and city staff is seeking
Council direction regarding the future of this facility. Staff will present information
concerning the status of the plaza and offer suggestions for moving forward with removal
of the facility, accommodation of lost parking and redevelopment of the riverfront in this
area.
Background
The Parking Plaza was built in two phases in 1963 and 1965 and is roughly 360 feet long
by 220 feet wide. The plaza provides 275 convenient parking stalls for businesses on
each side of the river. An estimated 200 parking stalls are situated on that portion of the
deck extending over the river itself. In addition to providing convenient parking, the
Parking Plaza brings together both sides of the downtown and provides a safe and
convenient crossing for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Structural History
Plaza constructed in 1963 and expanded in 1965.
Significant repairs completed in 1986, 1989, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
A 12/17/02 structural report stated that the repairs completed in 2004/05
would extend the life of the structure by 10 to 15 years. As such, a long term
solution is needed in the 2015 to 2020 time period.
An engineering study performed in 2002 estimated the structure to reach the end of its
useful life somewhere between 2015 and 2020. However, during the biennial bridge
inspection in early July 2012, the City’s inspection consultant, Bloom Companies, LLC,
found 25 girders in ten locations were seriously deteriorated requiring temporary closure
of a portion of the plaza and immediate repairs. This circumstance has resulted in the
need for more immediate action to address the structure’s future.
The Plaza is the most intensely used public parking facility in the downtown area. The
Parking Plaza experienced high demand in 2006 with an occupancy rate of 82%, but fell
to 68% in 2010 and decreased again to 59% in 2011. This compares to a parking
occupancy rate of 37% for all of downtown. The 2010 construction of the parking garage
at the corner of Wall Street and Parker Drive significantly increased the availability of
parking stalls downtown.
Various City plans over the last 20 years have recommended the removal of the structure
and enhancement of the riverfront. The 2007 Downtown Vision and Strategy called for
redevelopment of the river’s edge and the construction of a pedestrian bridge where the
Plaza currently stands.
Regulatory Impacts
The DNR has encouraged the removal of the structure at the end of its
useful life and indicated that it is likely that no permit would be approved for
a replacement over the river or significant rehab of the existing structure.
The DOT has determined that the structure is not a bridge and is not
eligible for Federal bridge funding for removal or replacement.
There may be a number of State or Federal grant programs that could
assist with the removal of the structure and redevelopment of the river front.
Staff/City Manager Recommendation
We recommend that the City Council consider directing staff to move forward in the
following areas:
Continue to conduct a public process to develop a plan for redevelopment of
the river’s edge to enhance public enjoyment of the river and promote business
and residential development opportunities in the downtown area.
Consistent with the above action, pursue grant funding opportunities and
o
establish a timeline for the removal of the structure and redevelopment
of the riverfront.
Evaluate further existing parking availability and develop options for
o
replacement parking where necessary to enhance the availability of
parking to the business and residential community.
Move forward with a temporary repair of the structure to continue its life
o
for approximately 4 years.
Plan a timeline to remove the structure.
o
Initiate a strategy that would include the evaluation and planning of
o
redevelopment that would include pedestrian and multimodal
improvements in the area to increase pedestrian activity in the
downtown.
Suggested Motion
I move to direct staff to prepare a plan to move forward on the strategies outlined
in the staff/City Manager recommendation.