By 1808Delaware
Powell City Council has taken a significant step to address downtown parking needs by partnering with developer Crawford Hoying in a public-private agreement. The collaboration opens up new opportunities for easier access to Powell’s bustling downtown area while setting a precedent for future partnerships.
New Parking Spaces for Downtown Powell
The 110 S. Liberty Street parking lot, a key element of the partnership, is now available for public use. This move adds 26 parking spaces to Powell’s downtown network, improving access to local shops, restaurants, and parks. The parking lot will remain accessible to the public until the site is sold and redevelopment plans are finalized.
“This is another progressive step forward in expanding our parking options in Downtown Powell,” said Powell City Manager Andy White. “We want people to get out of their cars and explore all that our downtown has to offer.”
The agreement represents a first-of-its-kind approach in Powell. The City will reimburse Crawford Hoying annually for maintenance of the lot, reflecting a mutually beneficial arrangement that maximizes the utility of underutilized private property.
A Model for Collaboration
City leaders see this partnership as a model for future collaborations with other property owners. By repurposing spaces like parking lots for public use, Powell is finding creative solutions to meet the demands of its growing downtown area.
“By strengthening partnerships with property owners like Crawford Hoying, we’re able to transform underutilized spaces to support the City’s vision,” White explained. “I’m grateful for City Council’s support of this opportunity and commitment to economic development initiatives that will help Downtown Powell reach its full potential.”
The City aims to attract additional property owners to participate in similar initiatives. Sean Hughes, Powell’s Economic Development Administrator, encourages other lot owners to join the effort:
“We welcome other lot owners to reach out to discuss how they can work with us to make their parking lots public,” Hughes said.
Supporting Downtown Growth
Downtown Powell continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for local businesses and community events. Expanding parking options aligns with the City’s broader goals to enhance accessibility and encourage more visitors to experience what the area has to offer.
This innovative approach not only supports local businesses but also fosters a sense of community by making it easier for residents and visitors to spend time downtown.
Looking Ahead
The partnership with Crawford Hoying is part of Powell’s broader economic development strategy, which seeks to balance community needs with sustainable growth. By leading with collaborative initiatives like this one, Powell is leading in small-city innovation.
Source: City of Powell; Image by Florian Pircher from Pixabay
