COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Two members of the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority board raised parking concerns, as they were presented with a preliminary site plan Wednesday morning for a proposed four story apartment complex in the Milnes Plaza parking lot north of the former Taylor’s Stationers store.
The DDA is the first board to look over and discuss the preliminary plans submitted by Spire Development of Columbus, Ohio for “The Lofts at Milnes Plaza”.
The proposed project would include 41 apartments. Seven of the units would be one bedroom apartments while the other 34 would have three bedrooms.
Plans also call for 125 parking spaces and unlike a previous developer there would be no parking garage.
DDA Board Member Greg Bruder was not happy about parking spaces being taken away from downtown business customers to accommodate a developer, calling it “short sighted”.
DDA Board Chair Brad Rockey said while he supports residential development downtown, parking was an issue that needs to be looked at.
City Manager Keith Baker pointed out the former Taylor’s store would not be included in the project.
The Coldwater City Council approved a Letter of Intent last week from Spire Development for the proposed purchase of a portion of the Milnes Plaza parking lot. The letter of intent establishes an exclusive option on the property. There are still many hurdles to clear but if everything works out, a closing of the sale is anticipated by the end of May 2018.
