Council to Discuss City Parking

More downtown parking could be coming to Columbia if a city council proposal gains footing Monday night.The plan calls for a 410-spot garage to be built at the corner of College and Walnut, across from Stephens College and the new Brookside apartments. Staff has prepared for Council consideration a report concerning whether it will have any impact on the city’s Short Street garage project, storm water runoff in the area and any neighborhood issues.At the April 16th council meeting, the Columbia City Council reported that a local developer was planning to build the parking garage at Walnut and College as part of his development.The Council had concerns about the loss of leased spaces in the Short Street garage because of the proposed new garage a block away, the additional traffic on Ash and Walnut, the addition of storm water to an already troubled area.A report that will be read on Monday should include great details about garages at 10th and Cherry, 5th and Walnut, 6th and Cherry, 8th and Cherry and Plaza.Also on the agenda is the introduction of a plan to spend more than $100,000 on the Nickell Golf Course.The plan includes improvements to the clubhouse, on-course restroom and the replacement of about 3,000 feet of concrete in the cart path system at the course. According to the council report, the upgrades are “necessary to the welfare and improvement of the city.”The planned clubhouse improvements include renovating the restrooms, remodeling the dining area, replacing existing windows, and renovating the landscaping beds around the clubhouse. The entire project budget is $110,000 and would be funded by the Golf Course Improvement Fund.