TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Tallahassee leaders move forward to redevelop a Railroad Avenue parking lot, much to the dismay of area businesses.
Right now, hundreds of people can park at there, especially during festivals and events like First Fridays.
However, the widely-used parking lot was recently sold, with possible plans to build a hotel on it. After that proposal was announced, more than 1,500 people signed a petition, saying a hotel would hurt local business and take away from the culture of the district.
Tuesday night, leaders said they will look for alternative parking plans.
Commissioner Gil Ziffer said he and his colleagues are confident in hotel redevelopment, but are not going to forget about the need for more parking: "We're going to be looking at alternative places for people who come there to park on a short-term basis. The developer has conceded that at least during the planning process we can probably utilize that space for parking for the all saints area."
It wasn't the result business owners in Railroad Square were looking for, but they're happy to see their parking troubles being addressed.
Joe Berg, from the All Saints District Community Association says "We were sort of fighting a losing battle. This was already a done deal which was part of our complaint that we weren't consulted before this process was started. We're pleased that we got heard very clearly having met with the commissioners, the city staff looked at this. We are disappointed with the process but we're glad that the motion was made that staff is directed to solve the parking problem at All Saints."
The current redevelopment plan says in addition to the hotel, retail would also be added.
