Parking deck work doesn't slow pace in downtown Libertyville
Big draws like Libertyville Days are in the books and many downtown seasonal activities are still to come, but the consensus is the loss of 100 key parking spaces to build a parking deck has not created undue problems for Libertyville visitors.
Nice walking weather and a plan for alternative parking - including bank lots after hours, an existing parking deck and other locations - has offset the removal of free municipal spaces south of the Libertyville Civic Center on Church Street and caused little disruption, officials said.
"So far, things are working out well," said Heather Rowe, the village's economic development director.
That was evident Thursday during the weekly farmers market, which moved this year off Church Street and into the adjacent Cook Park, a hub of community activities year-round.
"I really haven't had a problem. The side streets are pretty much open," said Victoria Delavega, who was wheeling her twin grandsons as the market was closing for the day. She snared a spot on busy Milwaukee Avenue, which fronts the park and is the main commercial strip through downtown.
A jump in new restaurants in recent years has created a parking crunch at times and prompted the village board to authorize a second deck. Work on the $8.74 million, 317-space structure, which will replace surface parking south of Church Street east of Brainerd Avenue and west of Milwaukee Avenue, began May 20.
"As far as our events are concerned, the parking doesn't seem to deter the attendance," said Pam Hume, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville.
The downtown group also is running a shuttle bus from the Crawford warming house on Lake Street to a lot about two blocks from the park.
"Farmers market is well-attended. Out to Lunch has been full the past two Fridays. The shuttle bus has not been used a lot, but we are hopeful that as people become aware of it, they will use it," Hume said. The village also is considering using a shuttle but will hold off until fall or winter, according to Rowe.
Mikaylo Kelly, a baker with farmers market vendor Great Harvest, said the configuration is different but foot traffic has been good.
"We're actually doing better business than last year," Kelly said.
Up to 150 people per day use the Civic Center, which has rental space and houses the village's senior center.
"It's a challenge for the whole community, but we're working through it," said Carol Lopez, senior center director. "That's what we have to do - keep our eyes on the prize."
That will be a while, as completion of the new parking deck is expected in January.
"Everything is right on pace," said Dave Hoener, project superintendent for Walsh Construction. "We're going to start excavating for footings, hopefully next week."