When the Central Corridor light rail line is completed, the city of St. Paul will lose 85 percent of its on-street parking permanently. But Mayor Chris Coleman has a million-dollar plan to increase off-street parking options.
A $1 million program approved by the city Housing and Redevelopment Authority on Wednesday will provide parking incentives to businesses and property owners, according to the Star Tribune. Interested parties will be able to apply for forgivable loans or grants to improve their lots through repaving or upgrading lighting. This pilot program could be used in other areas of St. Paul if successful.
The St. Paul City Council unanimously approved the program and the allocation of $600,000 to get it off the ground.
According to the Star Tribune, the Metropolitan Council has said there isn’t money for parking, which has been a major concern for University Avenue businesses.