Greenwald's Case Against Parking Structure Downtown (Video)

After many bicycle and environmental advocates spoke out against the proposed downtown parking structure, Councilmember Sue Greenwald gave a lengthy explanation as to why the five-story structure would be bad for the downtown.

A condensed version of the explanation can be seen above, but a key reason had to do with robbing the area of its charm. 

Mayor Joe Krovoza echoed some of her sentiments, adding that there should be a clearly demonstrated need for such an expensive item (roughly $12 million in redevelopment funds). The city says the structure could open the door for future opportunity downtown. 

In the end, the vote did not go Greenwald and Krovoza's way. 

Councilmembers Stephen Souza, Rochelle Swanson and Dan Wolk voted for the measure, which will direct staff to move forward in negotiating with the development group and to begin the first schematic phase of the project’s design.

That represents a cost of about $25,000, which will be split by the City and the Yackzan Group.

Souza and Swanson both insisted that the city keep environmental concerns (such as the inclusion of electric-vehicle charging stations and bicycle parking) in mind in the design's project.

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