DDA Meeting 4.15.2021

Detailed briefing

DDA Meeting — April 15, 2021 • The DDA discussed a summer garden plan with the National Honor Society planting and maintaining the city-based garden. The proposed May 8 planting would require 420 petunias, 35 bags of planting mix and 35 bags of mulch, estimated at $989.75. Members discussed asking City Council to approve a $2,000 donation, with $1,000 paid at the start and $1,000 at season’s end. Volunteers were also discussed. • Members prepared a proposed paid-permit pilot for the Spring Street parking lot. Under the plan, eligible Central Business District business owners, employers and residents could enter a lottery for up to two spaces each. The lot would have 18 regular spaces and one handicap space; permits would cost $500 for the Memorial Day-to-Labor Day season. • The parking proposal calls for applications by May 17 and payment by May 28. The Police Department would issue permits and monitor the lot at least twice daily. Unauthorized vehicles would be subject to towing at the owner’s expense. Proposed lease terms would prohibit subletting and charging extra for permits in short-term rentals. • The DDA acknowledged unresolved parking details: the cost of producing permits, a fee and process for lost permits, enforcement of short-term-rental restrictions, and how permit revenue would be divided or used. Members also discussed ending the pilot if the lot’s spaces are not sufficiently leased, but no final determination was made. • A Marina Park committee presented preliminary concepts for near-term improvements: better lawn conditions, screening around utilities and parking, flower beds, benches, tables, umbrellas, games, grills and possible shade sails. A possible “Harbor Eats” food tent, cart or truck area needs more discussion, including placement and coordination with local restaurants. • The Marina Park concept was estimated at roughly $30,000-$40,000 before final costs. The committee said maintenance could require additional marina staff hours or a seasonal worker, potentially estimated at about $5,000 for one summer employee. The plan remains conceptual and requires Council feedback, funding decisions and review of zoning and staffing issues. Worth watching: • Whether City Council approves the Spring Street permit-lot pilot and resolves revenue, enforcement and operational questions. • Whether the Marina Park committee can finalize costs, maintenance staffing and funding before its proposed May 3 approval target. • Whether the National Honor Society garden donation is approved and the May 8 planting proceeds as proposed. Upcoming: City Council was expected to consider the garden, parking and Marina Park matters on April 19; the next DDA meeting was set for May 6 at 8:30, and the garden planting was proposed for May 8. Why it matters: The DDA is advancing short-term downtown improvements while testing solutions for employee/resident parking and planning future waterfront amenities.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.