By: Mariel Carbone | WCTV Eyewitness News

February 20, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) — A proposed parking garage for Midtown is now off the table.

The Tallahassee City Commission rejected two different proposals that would develop a five story parking garage on Thomasville Road. Instead, they’ll look for alternative solutions for the long and short term.

"We're thrilled to see the public involved in the solution,” said Rachelle McClure, a board member of the Lafayette Park Neighborhood Association.

The decision to reject the proposals came after residents from various neighborhood associations in the Midtown area raised concerns. They were against a parking garage, calling it unsightly and out of scale for Midtown. They also wanted more information and public participation in the decision.

One proposal would’ve placed the garage at Fifth and Thomasville. It would’ve included 331 parking spots and cost the city roughly $12 million to purchase the public spaces. The second proposal put the garage at Monroe and Thomasville and included 440 public parking spaces. That option would’ve cost the city between $24 and $30 million to purchase.

McClure is grateful the two options are off the table.

"Just coming in with a big giant parking garage, could really allow people to come in and really change the character of the district,” she said.

Instead, city staff will work towards developing a master plan for the Midtown neighborhood. And, staff will work with the Midtown working group to develop short term solutions for parking.

"As we take a look at the parking needs we can identify the time of use, where the crunches are, maybe put some on street parking with some vegetative buffers,” said McClure.

A 2016 parking study by city staff showed that there is a shortage in parking spaces for Midtown. And, local businesses along Thomasville Road said without a parking solution, they could have to close their shops.