StreetScape Developers Propose Two-Story Parking Deck

John McLinden, owner of StreetScape Development, came before the Plan Commission on Monday night to ask for an adjustment to the parking area adjacent to the building on School Street.

McLinden's company is rehabbing the school to create 15 condominiums. The project includes 26 single-family homes built to reflect a “new urbanism” style. The original plans were finalized and approved by the Village Board in October, but McLinden asked to change the parking lot into a deck with two floors to better accommodate residents.

Parking would change from only 21 exterior spaces to 20 exterior and 18 interior spaces. Two handicapped spots would be included. The end result might be only 34 spaces, depending on the length and slope of the ramp to the parking area from the street.

Commission members were concerned with the view, noise and lights that might pose a nuisance to residents of the brownstone buildings directly across the street from the proposed parking deck.

McLinden showed commissioners several drawings and photographs of the project, which show a wall that will be built around the deck to keep light from entering the brownstone homes.

The parking lot-side of the building is also at a much lower grade than the building itself, according to McLinden, and residents of the brownstones will not look out their windows at car tops, he said.

He also told commissioners that he has met with several residents of the brownstones and they are satisfied with the parking deck.

Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the new parking deck, and the proposal now heads to the Village Board in coming weeks for final action.