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A proposed $2.2 million 89-vehicle surface parking lot in Mt. Lebanon has one more hurdle to clear before work can finally begin in the north end of the Washington Road business district.

"We desperately need parking in the business district," said Christine Zacoi, of Victorian Manner, a shop located at 693 Washington Road. The lot will be built two blocks away, on Academy Avenue. "Although I'm not so sure if this is the right way to go about it, parking is a necessity. However, I also think that people need to be encouraged to use the parking garages. That could alleviate some of the problem."

The lot will be built and operated by the Mt. Lebanon Parking Authority. It will have an automated pay station where people can pay using cash, credit card, debit card or a prepaid card.

Parking rates have not been determined, said Rich Sahar, executive director of the authority.

Several studies in the fall of 2000 indicated a need for more parking in the north end of the business district.

"We constantly hear that there is not enough parking," said authority Chairman Bill Friedman. "It's going to provide parking to a thriving and vibrant business district that is environmentally-friendly with the neighborhood."

Sahar said that the property on Academy Avenue was perfect because it is on flat land, in close proximity to the business district and there are several apartment buildings nearby which could benefit from the additional parking.

"We wanted to build somewhere near the business district and residential area so it could be shared by everyone," he said.

Six homes along the south side of Academy Avenue were purchased for $1.3 million. Three of the houses have been demolished and three will be razed sometime this fall, Sahar said.

"Once the lot is completed, it will fit nicely into that space," Friedman said. "We also plan to add trees, planters and park benches on the sidewalk."

Mt. Lebanon planning board members unanimously approved plans for the lot last week. Drawings will be introduced at the Sept. 12 commission meeting, and a public hearing is scheduled for 8 p.m. Sept. 26 in the municipal building, 710 Washington Road, on a conditional use zoning application for the lot and a text amendment to the zoning ordinance.

The text amendment is necessary because the current zoning code has a restriction that requires parked cars to be 15 feet from side property lines and 30 feet from the back. The Parking Authority is asking for an amendment because the space only allows for 10 feet from the side.

If commissioners approve the plans for the lot, work is expected to take place this winter and finish next spring or early summer, Sahar said. Although commissioners have not set a date to vote on the parking lot, Friedman said he expects a vote this fall.

"Our central business district has re-established itself pretty well over the last few years and the demand for parking has increased," commission President Ty Ely said. "We have surface parking on the south end of the district, but there is nothing on the north end."

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