City to convert Pelissier retail into more parking spaces

City council has agreed to convert ground-level retail space on Pelissier Street in to more parking spaces.

The city considered spending $500,000 to spruce up the retail space in the parking garage, but decided tocreate 51 new parking spots instead.

Downtown Business Improvement Association chairman Larry Horwitz slammed council for its decision.

"People don't come downtown to visit a parking lot," he said.

Horwitz is angry council made the move behind closed doors at a meeting before the regular session of city council Monday night.

Mayor Drew Dilkens says there was only one party interested in renting the space and they didn't meet minimum standards.

Horwitz is vowing to fight the move.

"Any urban planner in the world, would tell you you can't have a dead zone [in a downtown], you need retail," he said.

Council had voted to keep the retail space at a meeting last June.