A proposed new hotel and parking garage in downtown Salina will be among topics discussed by Salina City Commissioners at their last regularly scheduled meeting of the year Monday.
The downtown project, which was unveiled back in September, includes a new Springhill Suites by Marriott Hotel and parking garage. It would be located on S 7th Street where a public parking lot already exists. Lighthouse is requesting transfer of ownership of the parking lot, which stretches from Walnut Street South for almost a full city block.
For an 80 room hotel, generally about 90 parking spots are required The current public parking lot has 155 spaces. The parking garage, which would be open to the public at no cost, would have 389 parking spots, a net gain of 144 spots. It would have parking on four floors and its roof. The City of Salina would take on the long term responsibility for maintaining the parking garage.
The project would be partially funded via “growth tax dollars”, using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) financing.
According to the City, the Downtown Redevelopment District, commonly referred to as the downtown TIF district, was created in 2016. Funds generated by the downtown TIF have outpaced the original projections, making it possible to fund additional projects. The parking lot on 7th Street was not included in this district. In order to use funds that are generated in the downtown TIF district towards this project, the district needs to be amended to
include this area. Salina 2020 has also requested that the district be amended to include Theater Salina. This would allow for TIF proceeds to be used at this location as well.
In order to expand the district, the City Commission needs to approve a resolution determining that the City is considering an expansion of the Salina Downtown Redevelopment District and conduct a public hearing.
In other business commissioners will also:
- Consider approval of an ordinance adopting the 2018 International Fire Code and local amendments.
- Consider awarding a Contract for Consulting Services to SHG Advisors of Conifer, CO in the amount of $71,899 for the development of a Strategic Plan to address Homelessness.
- Consider a reduction in landfill fees for materials resulting from the demolition of 1616 W. Crawford Street.
Prior to the needing in a study session commissioners will be briefed on a potential new partnership proposed by a new recycling business.
The study session is scheduled for 3:00 Monday afternoon, prior to the City Commissions’ regularly scheduled meeting at 4:00 in Room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.
