Covington City Council Takes Steps to Address Downtown Parking Shortage
The chronic shortage of parking spaces in downtown Covington has long frustrated business owners and their customers. At its June meeting, the City Council moved to address this issue by authorizing Mayor Mark Johnson to negotiate a purchase agreement for property intended for a new public parking lot in the heart of downtown.
The targeted property, located at the corner of Boston and Florida streets, comprises three contiguous lots. It currently houses a structure that was once a gas station and most recently a vehicle detailing shop.
The council unanimously voted 5-0 in favor of a resolution allowing Mayor Johnson to pursue the property purchase, with two members absent. The decision was met with applause from the approximately 20 attendees at the meeting, including several supportive business owners.
Caroline d’Hemecourt, owner of the Olive Patch children’s clothing store on Columbia Street, emphasized the critical need for parking for both her employees and customers in downtown Covington.
Other business owners echoed her sentiment, noting that the lack of parking deters shoppers and negatively impacts sales. No opposition to the city’s effort to acquire the property was voiced.
Council President Mark Verret, who sponsored the resolution, highlighted the property’s ideal location for a public parking lot, noting that the entire area is already paved with concrete. He described the owner’s willingness to sell as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
While no purchase price was discussed during the meeting, the resolution specifies that any agreement must include provisions for property appraisal, appropriate funding, and the passage of an ordinance authorizing the sale.
Mayor Johnson indicated that details of the potential purchase would be shared once negotiations are finalized.
In other business, the council reappointed Teddy Boone to another five-year term on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and appointed Clarence Romage to the Covington Board of Adjustments for a five-year term.
Additionally, the council approved a resolution designating The St. Tammany Farmer as the city’s official journal for a one-year term starting July 1.
