Large surface lot proposed for 2024

By Chuck Gibson 

LOVELAND, OH (May 16, 2023) – On again, off again plans for a multi-level parking garage in Loveland are off again with plans for the city to move forward on a surrface lot to add more parking in the busy Historic Downtown business district overlapping the Scenic Little Miami River Trail. 

In a press release issued earlier today, the city said: construction could begin in Fall 2023 to build a surface parking lot with approximately 150 spaces off First Street behind City Hall. These spaces would add to the city’s current 535 public parking spaces. The proposed lot would have access from First Street and State Route 48. There would be no fee to park in the lot.

The previously proposed construction of a 270-space parking garage is now estimated to cost more thant $7 million. Rising costs followed the COVID-19 pandemic and its inflationary impact on construction materials. 

“City Council has insisted from the beginning that debt funding for the parking garage be kept at a minimum, so city staff has submitted multiple grant applications seeking outside funding.” – David Kennedy, Loveland City Manager.

The rules guiding the awarding of some of those grants for oustide funding have changed during the application process could limit the award and use of those funds. Mayor Kathy Bailey affirmed the city leaders want to provide a viable parking solution which will limit debt with no additional financial burden on the citizens. 

Here’s more from the text of the press release issued earlier today: 

City staff applied for $2.8 million in funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Summer 2020 and $3.1 million in Fall 2021. Both applications were not approved. In December 2022, a planning grant summary was submitted for Governor DeWine’s Appalachian Community Grant Program through OhioBuilds. If awarded, this grant would have paid for 100% of the total cost to build the parking facility. The city was notified in April that the federal government changed the guidelines and parking facilities were no longer eligible for funding.

Although the construction cost is unknown until the design process is completed, project engineers estimate the lot can be constructed with existing grant funding. The city has secured $1.15 million in state and federal funding already: a $900k Capitol Bill Community Project grant from the State of Ohio and a $250k grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

Regardless of project or funding source, the city has taken several steps over the last several years to prepare the site for construction. An archaeological survey was conducted to ensure the site is free of cultural resources, or artifacts.

A wetland delineation study was completed to ensure there are no wetlands, streams, or water features on the site. The site has also been approved for construction by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and no trees would be removed from the site until Oct. 1, per the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

 As for next steps, if City Council should direct city staff to proceed, the design process will begin. Bidding for construction proposals could take place this summer with construction beginning in late fall. The surface lot could be completed by early to mid-2024.

“The surface lot is now the best solution to achieve what we need in the Historic Downtown district — more parking and improved traffic flow,” said Kennedy. “City staff is proposing that we pivot and use grant monies already awarded for the construction of a surface lot in the same location as the proposed parking garage and a new access point into downtown from State Route 48.” 

For more information, please visit:  lovelandoh.gov.