City engineers seek $500,000 bond increase for Magnolia Street lot and $3M cap for Fayette Garage demolition

Mary Robinson, city engineer, presented a package of capital items tied to the Harbor Brook parking lot and related projects and answered council questions about capacity, location and necessity.

Robinson said the Magnolia Street lot (part of the Harbor Brook program) requires an increase to the bond ordinance by $500,000 for a total allocation of $650,000 and will yield about 16 parking spaces while providing secure pedestrian access toward the police building. She described the project components as design completion, construction authorization and pedestrian access improvements including crossing an abandoned railroad bridge.

On the Fayette Parking Garage at 300 East Fayette, Robinson said the structure is unsafe and repair costs would be “exorbitant.” Staff recommended demolition and included a Type 2 SEQRA action with a bond ordinance and project authorization not to exceed $3,000,000.

Councilors asked whether bids had come in higher than estimates; Robinson said design is complete and the request is to authorize construction. The items were presented for council consideration; no vote was taken at the study session.

What comes next: staff will return with final bid documents, contract language and any required SEQRA documentation before the council takes a formal vote on bond and project authorization items.