By Michelle Price
UCBJ Managing Editor
COOKEVILLE – In an effort to improve the lack of downtown parking situation, the city of Cookeville approved an agreement with Dr. Anju Mendiratta to construct a 36-space parking lot at the corner of West 1stStreet and North Oak Ave. that will be available for public parking evenings and weekends. The city will also look into adding parallel parking spaces along both streets.
“I’m excited about this,” said Councilman Mark Miller. “When my wife and I go the west side (district) on a busy night there is no parking. You have to park on the street. So, it’s going to be good to have parking.”
As part of the deal, the city agreed to relocate overhead electric utility lines and to upgrade water utility lines from two-inch service lines to six-inch lines. This work must be completed by May 1, 2019. The city would also be responsible for repairs of potholes that may occur.
The 15-year lease will provide much needed public parking for the shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Signs will be placed directing the public to the new lot.
During normal business hours, the lot will provide parking for Mendiratta’s proposed medical facility. Hours for public parking will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday; 5:00 p.m. on Fridays through 7:00 a.m. on Monday; and twenty-four (24) hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
