The proposed construction of the Yakima Central Plaza has put some local business owners and residents at odds with city officials, with a possible lawsuit pending, according to an article in the Yakima Herald.
The clash seems to be over whether or not the city is allowed to build a plaza where a parking lot now stands. In 1974, two ordinances were passed that allowed Yakima to assess local businesses and collect those assessments to fund the main parking lots downtown. Building the plaza would mean losing one lot.
The ordinances state that Yakima may build public buildings, up to and including a convention center, “in the airspace above the parking lot,” provided the construction does not “’substantially’ decrease parking.” If it does, the city is required to provide equivalent parking very nearby.
Yakima officials say they have created enough parking in the city’s downtown to offset the loss likely to occur with the plaza’s construction. Opponents argue that the city’s position is invalid, because it is not proposing to construct a public building, but a plaza.
John Baule, who helped raise funds for the plaza, said the city went over everything carefully before moving forward, and he still hopes to see the plaza take shape. If everything is settled, construction could begin in summer this year.
Matters like this are important to everyone, so officials might work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents, keeping them updated.
