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City buys lot space; more public parking downtown

By
Lori Sorenson

More downtown public parking will soon be available, thanks to an agreement between Rick Reed and the city of Luverne.
On the agenda at Tuesday night’s council meeting was a resolution allowing the conveyance and recording of subdivided property — in this case, from Reed Motors Inc. to the city of Luverne.
According to council discussion, more adequate public parking is needed in the downtown area, especially when there are community celebrations and special events at the Palace Theatre, Grand Prairie Events and local restaurants.
The council noted that the Luverne Kawasaki parking lot is often used for overflow parking for events throughout the year.
“Rick Reed (Luverne Kawasaki Owner) has been a good host to this parking and has been a good team player with the downtown merchants,” City Administrator John Call said.
In an effort to formalize this parking arrangement, the city is purchasing the far west side of Reed’s parking lot for $25,000.
This 140-by-70-foot space will become a municipal parking lot and be maintained as public property. It’s located along the backside (the east wall) of Grand Prairie Events between Maple Street and the alley.
“Anyone in the downtown area can park in this lot as they enjoy the benefits of beautiful downtown Luverne,” Call said.
The newly created parcel needed a resolution by the city council to comply with the city’s subdivision ordinance.

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