Town of Lexington to Partner on Public Parking Structure

Lexington Town Council announced during a Special Council Meeting Monday evening that it intends to enter into a public-private partnership to construct a public parking garage in conjunction with a development on the former site of Sessions Department Store on Main Street in downtown Lexington .

"This is a partnership that will meet a growing need in the Town of Lexington and the Midlands of South Carolina," Mayor Randy Halfacre said. "It is a tremendous opportunity to revitalize downtown Lexington ," he added.

Bert Dooley & Partners, a local private investment group, plans to construct a multi-purpose project consisting of convention and restaurant facilities at the former Sessions site. The group is willing to make available at no cost the land and space necessary to construct the parking facility. The Town of Lexington plans to borrow funds not to exceed $2.3 million to assist in the construction of the parking garage. The Town will own and operate the parking portion of the facility.

Town Council has approved a resolution of intent for the project and an ordinance is needed for authorization. A first reading is scheduled for November 5, 2007, and a public hearing and final reading is scheduled for December 3, 2007.