The Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority will again discuss downtown parking on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7:15 p.m. at the regular meeting of the Board.   Up for discussion is the possible acquisition of 29 E. Front Street in downtown.  The property where former business Whiskey’s Steakhouse once occupied, is being offered as a donation to the DDA, if the DDA agrees to demolish the building and install a surface parking lot. 

The DDA has been working with their Engineer Firm, Hubble, Roth & Clark to develop an initial parking lot concept and cost estimate. The parking lot could net 35 additional public spaces in downtown and may cost between $150,000 - $170,000.   The DDA could make changes to this year’s budget to set aside funding for this project as well as allocate funds from FY 2013-2014. 

At the February 12, 2013 DDA Meeting, the Board was given a presentation by DDA Director Suzanne Perreault on the pros and cons of the potential deal as well as other parking opportunities in downtown.  The DDA Board received public comment at the meeting as well, with remarks given on both sides of the issue. Deputy County Executive Matt Gibb was in attendance at the meeting and offered assistance from the Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Department.  Oakland County staff will conduct a Parking Assessment and present their findings at the March DDA Board Meeting. The agreement to accept the donation of property between the DDA and property owner Dia Zaraga was tabled.   

The DDA Board will meet again on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7:15 p.m. at the Village Council Chambers, 37 E. Flint Street, Lake Orion MI 48362.    Oakland County will present their Parking Assessment and the DDA Board will again receive public comment.  The public is encouraged to attend.   The DDA Board will vote on whether or not to accept the donation of property at 29 E. Front Street and develop a surface parking lot.