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Jacksonville to add downtown parking spots Up to 24 spots to be created off Main between Fourth and Fifth streets Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 18, 2015 at 11:01 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 18, 2015 at 11:01 PM » Social News JACKSONVILLE — Up to 24 parking spaces will be created to serve downtown businesses, a park and the Community Center as city government develops an unused right of way. Parking will be available in a 150-by-60-foot lot created in the Main Street right of way between Fourth and Fifth streets. Daisy Creek and Doc Griffin Park with its splash pad are located to the south and a lumber yard to the north. “We have talked about it for a lot of years,” said City Administrator Jeff Alvis. “We’re hoping it’s done by fall.” Funds for the project are available from parking district fees assessed on downtown business owners and from system development charges paid when construction permits are issued. The expenditure was approved in the city’s 2015-16 budget. Cost estimates will await engineering studies, which will be done soon, Alvis said. Surveying to determine actual location of the lot and right of way has taken place, but pins have not been set. Jacksonville’s Chamber of Commerce views the new lot as a welcome addition even though it didn’t take an active role to obtain it, said Executive Director Tim Balfour. “There’s a very active Parking Commission. They are very passionate about trying to improve the parking situation in town and exploring different options,” said Balfour. “Any time we can add parking spots adjacent to the downtown area that’s a beneficial situation.” Jacksonville Lumber Co. had long utilized the right of way for storage, said Alvis, while the city had two parking spots in front of an unused gate leading into the yard off Fifth. The city will lose those spots in the change as the company opens the gate for access. The late owner of the lumber yard, Dale O’Harra, contributed to the city in a number of ways, said Councilor David Jesser, liaison to the Parking Commission. “With the parking situation in Jacksonville, we need more parking. We are very understanding of the situation,” said O’Harra’s daughter, Shannon Pearce, current owner. “We are working harmoniously with the city." “Jacksonville tries to ensure that there is enough parking for residents and visitors alike,” said Jesser. “That parcel of land was a platted street all the way back to the original plat. It was just a natural to take it back.” Alvis envisions a one-lane entrance off Fourth Street and a one-lane exit onto Fifth from the lot, but the final design will be based on engineering recommendations. Turn lanes off Fifth, which is wider, would allow access to California Street for people who want to return to downtown. “It’s right at the creek. We want to leave it as natural as we can,” said Alvis. The lot surface could be gravel or other pervious material, he said. City crews may build the lot or it could be contracted out. Retention of at least part of a large tree on the site will be a priority and will determine how many spots may be created. Alvis thinks from 20 to 24 will be possible. Jacksonville Community Center is located on the southwest corner of Fourth and Main streets across from the future lot. Plans call for building a new, larger center there once funding is secured. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 18, 2015 at 11:01 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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