By 1808Delaware
A stop in Downtown Powell will soon come with more options for finding a parking space. City Council has approved an agreement to add approximately 50 public parking spaces at 59 East Olentangy St., expanding downtown parking while the City moves forward with a larger street and parking project nearby.
The agreement gives the City a four-year lease on the property following improvements by the owner. It pairs a relatively near-term addition to public parking with longer-term plans to improve how people reach downtown businesses and destinations.
Preparing the Property
Before the lot becomes public parking, the owner will make several changes to the property and the adjacent lot. A structure at 55 East Olentangy St. will be demolished to create additional private parking. The work also includes installing curbing between the expanded private lot and the public lot, along with widening the public lot’s existing curb cut.
The City will pay half the cost of the parking lot improvements. Clear signage will distinguish the public spaces from the neighboring private parking area, helping motorists identify where they can park.
“The public and private parking agreements allow the community to partner with our property and business owners to grow the downtown parking network,” Economic Development Administrator Sean Hughes said. “This is creative problem solving between the public and private sector that creates convenience for residents and visitors.”
A Larger Addition Ahead
The Olentangy Street agreement comes as Powell advances the Scioto Street Extension, a major infrastructure project planned for downtown’s northeast quadrant. That project will extend Scioto Street east from Liberty Street to Grace Drive and include a large public parking lot. When completed, it is expected to add approximately 130 public parking spaces. Drivers will be able to enter the future lot from both Olentangy Street and the extended Scioto Street. The project is also designed to improve traffic circulation, walkability and access to businesses.
The two efforts address downtown access on different timelines. The four-year lease will make an existing property available for public parking after improvements, while the Scioto Street project will add parking as part of a broader change to the street network.
For residents and visitors, the practical goal is straightforward: more places to leave the car and easier access to the downtown destinations they came to enjoy.
Source, Photo: City of Powell
