Batavia considers temporary lot as possible solution to downtown parking woes

Batavia aldermen will discuss Tuesday whether to turn the site of the former Shumway Foundry into a parking lot that would alleviate a shortage of spaces in the southern part of downtown.

Under a concept proposed by city staff, Batavia would lease land at 365-373 S. Shumway Ave., and build a lot with up to 198 spaces.

Parking issues have surfaced largely from the success of Sturdy Shelter Brewing, a brewery and taproom that opened in 2022 at 10 S. Shumway Ave. The business can accommodate as many as 200 patrons, but there are only 27 on-street parking spaces and 26 other public spaces near it, according to a city memo.

Patrons have been using spaces in a private parking lot across the street, causing friction with the businesses for which that lot is designated, the memo states.

The brewery may soon have increased business, as it is planning to expand its outdoor deck, according to the memo.

The city estimates it would cost at least $1.3 million to build the lot. The memo suggests the city pay half the cost, with the rest coming primarily from a special service area property tax assessment on properties west of the Fox River and east of Batavia Avenue (Route 31).

The foundry closed in 2002 and its buildings were razed in 2007. The landowner, BEI Enterprises, has discussed putting apartment buildings on the land, but nothing has come to fruition.

The staff’s proposal suggests the lot would be considered temporary, and removable if BEI decides to build something. It recommends a lease of at least 10 years.

The council meets as a committee of the whole at 7 p.m. at the Schielke Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com