8/28/14 - The Brighton Downtown Development Authority Thursday voted not to proceed with the purchase of a home and related property on West Main, just west of the railroad tracks, for a new parking lot. The city has found itself with a âproblemâ that many communities would envy: Not enough parking spaces, particularly at the west end of downtown. More than anything, what swayed the DDA against the purchase was the impassioned pleas of nearby residents, who opposed it because it would encroach upon the residential area. The approximately 20 citizens at the meeting told the DDA that a clear delineation needs to be maintained between downtown and their residential neighborhood, and a parking lot in that location would blur the line. One of the citizens was Hugh Munce of 125 North Third Street, who says that overall, the DDA has done a good job of enhancing the downtown area. The city was prepared to offer $265,000 for the property, had the board decided to go ahead with purchase. Now that the DDA has decided to pass on it, Bob Pettengill of West Bloomfield says he is prepared to make an offer to buy the parcel, convert the rental house into a single-family home, renovate it, and live in it. DDA Director Matt Modrack tells WHMI that the DDA listened to the concerns of the neighborhood in making its unanimous decision to decline the purchase offer. Modrack says the DDA will now look at making the planned parking lot at the west side of the railroad tracks larger than originally envisioned, with up to 50 spaces, most of it paved, and with a front gate at Main Street and a fence next to the tracks. Up until now, the plan was to have about 30 spaces, with just the front portion of the parking lot paved. The CSX Railroad has offered a 6-year lease to the city for the land at $5,000 per year. (TT)
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