Miami County, Troy leaders discuss feasibility study for downtown parking garage

TROY — The Miami County commissioners told Troy city leaders Wednesday they'd be interested in sharing the cost to study the feasibility of a parking garage in downtown Troy.

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Mayor Mike Beamish was among city leaders meeting with the commissioners on the progress of efforts to develop the downtown for housing, restaurants and other businesses. The proposal for a $24,000 study by Walker Consultants of Indianapolis would include alternative conceptual designs along with market and financial analyses, including five-year operating and capital pro formas.

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With growth in housing options downtown; interest being expressed in several developing properties such as the former LaPiazza building and the Masonic Temple; and the opening of a Moeller Brew Barn across from the Courthouse, the time is appropriate to look at options, Beamish said.

"I feel like a study would be a good thing," said Commission President Greg Simmons. "That would bring everything out on the table."

The commissioners said they would support a study, but reserve positions on whether a project is needed.

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A likely location would be in the North Cherry Street area where the county and city have parking lots, said Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director. The discussions would include ways to pay for operations and maintenance.