In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the critical next steps for the proposed downtown parking garage in Dundee, which is part of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) initiatives. The design criteria package, estimated at $96,000, is set to define the project's scope and facilitate public engagement through meetings aimed at gathering community feedback. The process is expected to take approximately five months.

Commissioner Gal raised concerns about the nature of the proposal, questioning why the project was presented as a recommendation when it is mandated by the CRA. Staff clarified that while the recommendation is standard procedure, the city is indeed obligated to proceed with the garage to maintain funding levels from the county. The discussion highlighted the potential risks of not moving forward, including a possible reduction in funding from the county, which could impact other projects.

The garage has been a part of the CRA master plan since 1988, with a revision in 2018 that included plans for two parking garages to support downtown development. Officials emphasized the importance of this project not only for parking but also for the overall growth and revitalization of the downtown area.

Commissioner Walker further clarified that the CRA must submit a spending plan to the county to secure 100% Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Failure to advance with the garage or other capital projects could jeopardize this funding, as the county's new policy favors a 50% TIF for CRAs.

The meeting underscored the urgency of the parking garage project as a vital component of Dundee's downtown development strategy, with officials committed to ensuring it aligns with community needs and expectations.