Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — At the October 28 Jackson City Council meeting, the special assessments placed on businesses in downtown Jackson for meterless parking were approved by the council.
The total amount assessed was $229,025.00, with City Manager Jonathan Greene acknowledging that these assessments are never easy on local businesses.
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Patrick Colligan, the owner of The Foundry on S MLK Jr. Drive, expressed his frustrations with what he believes to be an unfairly high assessment on his business during a public hearing.
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Shane Sobieski, who also spoke at the hearing, recommended that Jackson privatize the parking and sell the lots to the adjacent businesses.
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The idea of privatizing downtown parking was met with heavy criticism from Councilmember Will Forgrave, who says that would not improve the current situation.
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The current assessment plan was put together through a collaboration between the Jackson Downtown Development Authority and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, with City Manager Greene saying he is glad that the two entities were able to work together.
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The special assessment roll was approved by a 6-1 vote, with Councilmember Angelita Gunn voting no.
A full recording of the October 28 Jackson City Council meeting can be seen by clicking here.