by Michelle Delaney, South Lake Tablet
The discussion surrounding a downtown Clermont parking garage is not new.
In 2015, the City of Clermont adopted its Downtown Master Plan, which identified a parking garage as a project that would eventually be needed to support future growth. The master plan’s implementation proved highly successful, attracting new shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and visitors to downtown. As activity increased, so did the demand for parking.
To better understand future needs, the city commissioned a parking study in 2020. The study concluded that additional parking would be necessary if existing parking leases expired or if certain properties were redeveloped. Following the study, the Clermont City Council directed staff to evaluate potential locations for a parking garage.
At a February 2021 workshop, transportation consulting firm Kittelson & Associates presented an analysis of possible garage sites. Council members ultimately selected a 1.67-acre city-owned parcel at Clermont City Hall as the preferred location.
Atkins Engineering was then tasked with developing a detailed concept plan for the site. The proposal was presented to the City Council during its regular meeting on October 27, 2021.
The conceptual design called for a four-story parking garage with approximately 350 to 360 parking spaces at an estimated cost of $16 million. Planned amenities included a rooftop observation deck with views of downtown, solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, elevators, and architectural enhancements designed to complement the surrounding area.
A subsequent workshop was held to discuss the project and potential grant funding opportunities. However, the proposal did not move forward.
Now, several years later, the idea has resurfaced.
The city is once again considering the construction of a parking garage, this time on the corner of Seventh Street and Minneola Avenue. However, city officials have decided to pause the project while additional options are evaluated.
To assist in the decision-making process, the City Council has established a citizens advisory committee that will review city-owned properties, including the lot at Seventh Street and Minneola Avenue and the lots behind Clermont City Hall, as well as potential private-sector locations.
The evaluation comes as Clermont undertakes an update of its Comprehensive Plan, a process that will help shape the city’s future growth and development.
Once appointed, the committee will have 60 days to complete its review and present its findings and recommendations to the City Council.
