Duluth postpones parking decision near eye clinic

Duluth postpones efforts to convert this grassy area to more downtown parking. Google Maps

Duluth postpones efforts to convert this grassy area to more downtown parking. Google Maps

The Duluth City Council recently heard a proposal to utilize parking spaces at the Eye Site Clinic at the corner of State Route 120 and Buford Highway. The effort to help maximize downtown parking options, included a discussion with the property owner to come to an agreement on usage. If approved, Duluth would pave the entire lot, including the existing grassy area where the old water tower used to sit, and re-stripe the overall area to maximize circulation and capacity. The city would then lease the space from the property owner for an agreed upon amount of time.

A quote for engineering plans and cost estimates was prepared by the city’s on-call service provider, Wolverton Asscociates, in the amount of $11,469. This includes a base cost of $9,409 with a $2,060 contingency to cover the cost of a potential overrun.

After some discussion, several councilmembers felt focusing parking dollars on parking deck options would be a better use of the existing funds. As a result, this proposal was postponed.