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Fleshman is interested in the adjacent lots that constitute a city
parking area between the corner lot and the library, as well.
He told aldermen that he would like to put up high-end
condominiums on the corner. For people living in the condos, he
would construct either a covered, secured parking area beside it,
toward the library side; or an alternative would be an underground
lot, which, for improved movement of traffic and pedestrians, would
have off-street entry and exit in the direction of the library. In
either plan, some parking spaces and improvements to that area would
be returned to the city.
Each condominium would measure 1,500 to 3,000 square feet.
If the parking were to be built below the condos, he would
request a variance for height. City code limits buildings to three
stories. The structure would exceed the city limit at around 45 feet
tall and four stories.
Fleshman added that the structure would be high-quality, built of
concrete and steel, with brick facade that would complement other
downtown buildings, "I'm not just talking about four walls and a
roof," he said. "I'm talking to you about spending some money here."
He also said that he would repave and line the portion of the
parking lot area that would not be used in the project so that the
remainder could be used for city parking.
Fleshman said that if this property were not going to be an
option, he would consider another property that is owned by the
city. The property with the drop boxes and a maintenance and storage
building is just a half-block away. "I look forward to working with
the city of Lincoln on this project and possibly two more," he said.
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City attorney Bill Bates briefed councilmen on their option to sell
property. There are two means to sell public property. One is for
the council to agree with a three-fourths vote to put it up for
public auction. The other option is to have the property appraised
and sell it at no less than 80 percent of the appraised value.
However, the second option requires that the property be
determined as non-tangible benefit to the city. While the corner lot
could be considered non-tangible, the parking lot is a benefit to
the city. So, only the first option can be acted on.
One clear concern to the aldermen was about the number of parking
spaces that would be lost to the downtown area. There are an
estimated 30 city parking spaces in the lots discussed, of which a
few would be returned.
There are many questions to be answered in regard to the
structure. A committee meeting to discuss it further is scheduled
for Sept. 25 at 6:15 p.m.
[Jan
Youngquist]
Past related article:
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