Covington’s historic St. John District is known for its lively mix of restaurants, shops, and offices, but the area’s growing popularity has led to a pressing issue: a shortage of public parking. To address this, the Covington City Council took decisive action on July 16 by approving a $1.5 million purchase of property at 627 East Boston Street, which will be transformed into a much-needed parking lot. The site, once home to a gas station and more recently a vehicle detailing shop, includes three contiguous lots at the corner of Boston and Florida streets.

This strategic land acquisition was met with widespread approval from local business owners, Mayor Mark Johnson, and the city council. The addition of new parking spaces is seen as a crucial step in accommodating the increasing number of visitors to the district.

In addition to the property purchase, the council also approved a resolution to increase the city’s lease agreements for several existing parking lots owned by private individuals.

Details of the Lease Increases

The lease adjustments involve three different properties:

• East Gibson Street Lot: Owned by Marsolan Feed and Seed Store Inc., the annual lease increased from $250 to $1,610.
• East Rutland and North Florida Streets Lots: Both owned by Gregory M. Verges, the combined lease for these two lots rose from $1,800 to $2,400 annually.
• Vermont and East Gibson Streets Lot: Owned by Vermont/Mandeville LLC, this lot saw the most significant increase, with its annual lease jumping from $2,400 to $24,000.

District E Interim Council member Sam Giberga expressed concern over the substantial hike for the Vermont/Mandeville lot. Mayor Johnson explained that the increased lease rates were negotiated to cover the property taxes each owner pays, highlighting the generosity of the owners in providing these parking spaces to the city.

Negotiating the Vermont/Mandeville Lease

Johnson noted that the original lease proposal for the Vermont/Mandeville lot was $60,000 annually. However, through negotiations, the amount was reduced first to $30,000 and then to $24,000. The lot, which accommodates about 50 public parking spaces, is crucial for local businesses, and Johnson emphasized that some businesses have already agreed to contribute toward the lease cost.

Two businesses have committed to covering approximately 50% of the Vermont/Mandeville lease, and the city is reaching out to others to enter sublease agreements to further offset the cost. Giberga expressed optimism that businesses would step up to cover at least 80% of the lease, given the critical need for parking in the area.

The Future of St. John District Parking

District A Council member Peter Lewis inquired about the contingency plan if additional subleases from nearby businesses could not be secured. Johnson responded that if necessary, the city could close the lot, though he and other officials are confident that won’t be needed, given the thriving nature of the St. John District.

As Covington continues to grow, the city’s proactive steps to expand public parking demonstrate a commitment to supporting local commerce and ensuring the St. John District remains a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.