City approves contracts for new parking structure

Santa Clarita City Council members voted to approve several contracts in relation to a proposed $15.2 million public parking structure planned for downtown Newhall Tuesday.

The city awarded a $348,000 contract for construction support services to Walker Parking Consultants Inc., as well as a contract of $188,104 for a supplemental environmental site investigation to JHA Environmental Inc., and a $125,000 increase to its contract to MNS Engineers Inc. for design, environmental and project support services, according to city documents.

City staff will begin the process of drafting a design to add solar panels to the structure.

The parking garage structure is part of the city’s Old Town Newhall Specific Plan, approved in 2005, according to city documents. It is also part of a project recently approved by the city that would bring a Laemmle Theatre to the downtown Newhall area.

During the meeting, Santa Clarita City Councilman TimBen Boydston asked city staff to explore other revenue streams, including paid parking, to help offset the construction costs.

The parking structure is estimated to be five stories high and include about 400 parking spaces.

Boydston said they would need more parking.

The structure will be near the intersection of Railroad Avenue and 9th Street, according to city documents.

Councilwoman Laurene Weste recused herself from discussing and voting on the item, as she owns property near the project area.