City creating additional parking spots downtown.
By ERIN MEYER emeyer@greenfieldreporter.com
GREENFIELD — When a new concrete parking lot opens downtown next week just off west U.S. 40, drivers will be able to count a total of 103 new, no-limit parking spots chiseled into empty lots, nooks and crannies in the past two years.
Workers from E&B Paving spent Wednesday pouring cement between Red Ribbon Antiques and Greenfield Gold Exchange to convert an alley and a vacant lot into 18 new parking spaces to serve downtown businesses.
“I feel like it’s going to make the downtown come alive,” said Gloria Holloway, owner of the antiques shop.
The effort is part of the city’s campaign to help make downtown businesses more accessible.
“Free parking for our visitors and guests is one of the things that is needed to revitalize the downtown,” Mayor Brad DeReamer said.
In little more than two years, the city has invested roughly $197,000 to bring the new parking options to downtown.
The first, a product of the public-private partnership between Greenfield Christian Church and the city, was completed in 2008. The city spent roughly $50,000 to resurface the lot, build curbs and retention walls and install drainage. In exchange, the parking spaces remain open to the public when church members are not using them.
In March 2010, DeReamer proposed a plan to reconfigure the two-lane alley running north and south from U.S. 40 to North Street next to the old Brandywine Steakhouse building to allow for 38 new parking spaces.
The city purchased the lot west of the Masonic Building for $24,000 and paid $50,000 to build the new lot.
Bob Hunt, owner of the Masonic Building, home to several local businesses, said parking is a key component to economic development.
“When people make a decision about whether they are going to shop, it’s important that they have a clear line of sight to where they are going to park their car,” Hunt said. “We have seen some important strides downtown. It’s important to help continue to build the redevelopment we’ve had.”
Holloway, who counts many out-of-towners among her clientele, said parking convenience is important.
“Now they won’t have to drive around hunting for a spot,” she said. “Mayor DeReamer has done an excellent job.”
Contact Brad