City green-lights new parking lot

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

April 21, 2008 11:38 pm

— CONNEAUT — A majority of City Council members have authorized administrators to begin the process that could result in a second municipal parking lot in the downtown district.
The project would cost about $108,000, with another $10,000 set aside to cover contingencies. The cost includes property acquisition, building demolition and building a 24-space lot near State and Harbor streets.
Money from the city’s revolving loan, traditionally used to assist local businesses that need a cash transfusion, would pay the bulk of the work. Conneaut’s Public Works Department would flatten a building on the site and pave the lot.
Council voted 4-2 at Monday’s meeting to give administrators permission to launch the process. Ward 3 Councilman Greg Mooney abstained, saying he wasn’t necessarily opposed to the work but wanted more talk on other projects that could be financed with the loan money.
Ward 4 Councilman Tony Julio, chairman of council’s downtown revitalization committee, has said some downtown merchants, particularly on Washington Street, have clamored for more parking spaces. Last fall’s opening of Snap Fitness in the nearby Cleveland Hotel has helped put a premium on parking spots, officials have said.
After much discussion, Councilman-at-Large Jacob Chicatelli moved to authorize the city manager to get the ball rolling on the matter. Ward 1 Councilman Dave Campbell questioned whether Chicatelli, an employee of the Conneaut Telephone Co., could vote on the matter since CTC stands to benefit with a new parking lot opposite its front door. Law Director Lori Lamer said she didn’t see a problem with Chicatelli’s participation since he didn’t profit personally from the project.
Supporting the motion were Chicatelli, Julio, Council President James Jones and Councilman-at-Large Chris Castrilla. Jones said the lot would support business in town, while Castrilla wanted to see the building on the site removed.
Campbell and Ward 2 Councilman Charles Lewis objected to diverting Public Works crews to the project when city streets and roads need so much attention.
“This is only a fulfillment of a promise to the Cleveland Hotel made without council approval,” Campbell said.
Lewis asked if private contractors could somehow be hired to replace city workers. That idea will be explored, he was told.
Mooney said there may be other more-deserving public uses for the revolving loan fund that haven’t been explored or discussed, he said in explaining his abstention from voting.
“I want some open dialogue, and I haven’t got it yet,” he said.