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a disservice to residents and land owners by not zoning the site correctly or getting the right mix for that use, such that the proposed projects for the site have failed. He stated that he agrees with the Commissioners regarding parking Downtown, the PDA, and creating vibrancy in Downtown; but something that is going to work has be done in that location because a dirt lot does not create vibrancy. He added that he understands there is a parking study going on right now and that the City is putting a task force together to come up with a parking plan. Mr. Beaudin confirmed that it correct. He indicated that the City Council will get an update next week on that parking work, and the Downtown parking strategy and implementation plan will be ready by next spring. He explained that the City is looking not only at where additional parking supply is needed but also how it is going to get there. Commissioner Ritter stated that he believes this will help everyone. Commissioner O'Connor agreed but stated that this block is going away and it cannot be considered. Chair Allen noted that there is a whole paragraph in the DTSP about top priority lots for consideration. and this is one of them. Mr. Weinstein replied that is correct. He stated that this site is identified as a potential public parking lot in the DTSP and is grouped in the category of parking lots that could be developed pursuant to a special assessment district which, again, has not been developed at this point. He noted that the site is also designated for Downtown commercial uses as well. He added that the DTSP also identifies other sites that could potentially be used for parking, such as a railroad corridor which actually has a designated land use for public uses. He noted that there is some kind of distinction in the DTSP between the special assessment parking areas and other parking areas that could be used for public parking as well, and this particular site on Spring Street does not have that special assessment designation. Commissioner Piper commented that the property is not for sale and, therefore, cannot be purchased for a parking lot. Commissioner Balch inquired when the DTSP was authored. Mr. Beaudin replied that was in 2002. Commissioner Balch commented that the City did not acquire the land in 2010, that it had the opportunity but passed. Mr. Weinstein confirmed that the City never acquired the land and that it probably could have acquired it for the right price. Commissioner O'Connor noted that the property has been sold three times since 2002. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 9, 2015 Page 26 of 40