SUBMITTED-IMAGE.docx The Town of Berlin announced Wednesday the Mayor and Council have entered into a 10-year lease agreement to provide a new municipal parking lot.

Located at the corner of West and Washington streets, the lot is owned by the Esham family.

According to a press release issued by the town and Mayor Zack Tyndall, “the new parking facility is part of the town’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and support the growth of the downtown business district. The first two years of the lease will

be funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds while the Town works to establish a sustainable funding plan for the remaining lease period.”

In November, the Berlin Mayor and Council assigned $64,102 from ARPA funding previously marked for the Rails and Trails phase to address the town’s parking supply.

“This new municipal parking lot will significantly increase parking capacity for our downtown business district and provide much-needed overflow parking during town events,” Tyndall said. “Based on conversations with our downtown businesses and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, we know that a lack of accessible parking has limited the ability of our businesses to grow and thrive. This investment will help strengthen an already vibrant business district and encourage further growth and reinvestment in our

community.”

Tyndall noted in the press release the town’s parking shortage was consistently noted in the town’s strategic planning process last year. The release stated, “In a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, ‘parking’ was highlighted as both a weakness and an opportunity. Feedback gathered from residents and stakeholders led to the incorporation of parking as a driving strategy and key action step within the Town’s strategic plan. The parking lot will also play a key role in accommodating the changing landscape of Berlin’s downtown area.”

Tyndall noted the town’s evolving demographics make the lot more needed than ever.

“As properties begin to include more residential opportunities above their commercial buildings, this municipal lot will offer an essential resource to meet the demand for residential parking,” said Tyndall.

The 10-year lease accord was negotiated with the assistance of the Parking Subcommittee, created by Mayor Tyndall to explore solutions for improving parking in downtown Berlin. The subcommittee, which included Councilmembers Jay

Knerr and Steve Green, worked closely with the Esham Family to bring this project to fruition.

“The Town of Berlin extends its gratitude to the Esham Family for their partnership in supporting this important initiative and to the Mayor and Council for their leadership and dedication in addressing parking challenges,” said Tyndall in the press release. “The

town is confident that this new parking lot will serve as a catalyst for continued economic growth and provide lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

When asked on social media whether the lot will be paved or gravel, Tyndall said Wednesday it will feature a pervious surface.