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On Monday night, North Bay's new city council heard many presentations from steamed business owners against the sale of the downtown parking garage. Council chambers was packed.
First up to present was Pat Kenzie-Diegel of Deegan’s Shoes, who said “let’s not lose our parking.”
Asked by Councillor Mark King what she wanted to see in the deal, Kenzie-Diegel replied, “it should be a long term lease of not less than 15 years.”
Tony Lumina was next at the podium saying the previous council did not give public forum to the sale. Lumina asked the new council to be transparent in the process.
He told council members that he purchased a downtown building where his daughter now has a retail business. Lumina explained his purchase was based on the parking availability in the parking garage.
The president of North Bay’s Golden Age Club, David Renette presented council with a petition of 126 signatures. Renette said if council takes away the parking, “then you take away recreation and exercise from seniors.”
Renette called for a lease of 10 to 15 years with the new owner, guaranteeing the two hour free parking for seniors to easily access the Golden Age Club.
Sandy O’Grady denounced the secrecy behind the sale. O’Grady pointed out she was on the Parking Authority board for five years. “There was no dialogue on decisions.”
Rae Brennie of Sticks and Stones is quite concerned that the sale would leave only one city parking lot on Oak St. “I wish I was consulted. We need expansion.”
After his presentation to council, Brad Minogue said he had speculated there would be objections. “It definitely came through tonight.”
“So many businesses are affected by the heavily utilized parking garage. They should hear the concerns that will help spur development and maintain the businesses that are already downtown. One of the terms of a sale should include the two-hour free parking for so many spots, on a 10-year renewable term.”
Minogue himself stands to lose if parking spots aren’t kept open for downtown customers. He purchased the Cochrane Block, site of the Lefebvre’s and Vested Interest fire in 2012.
He has tenants that need the parking and possible new tenants if Minogue assures them they have parking.
“There must be a better way to run it. Why haven’t we looked at that?”
Council laer discussed the issue in-camera, a meeting closed to the public, but made no announcement.