City to Help Fund Chapman Garage

Unable to resist the prospect of new parking spaces, city officials have agreed to kick in $3.25 million toward a 700-space garage being built by Chapman University.

In return, residents and visitors will have guaranteed access to 350 parking spaces for the next 15 years, said Linda Boone, director of economic development.

In contrast to the excited reception Chapman received from the city, the Orange Taxpayers Assn. complained that the deal essentially asks the city to subsidize a private university.

“This is wrong,” said Nick Lall, who sits on the group’s board. “I’m glad to see the university expanding, but I think a $3.2-million gift is unwarranted. The city will get that parking structure anyway.”

But officials from Chapman and the Redevelopment Agency countered that the city would have to pay at least that much to build new parking lots or a structure of its own. And the university will be responsible for all of the maintenance and security of the lot, which will cost from $4 million to $5 million, Boone said.

A consultant’s report, commissioned by the city to review the deal, found that the city would profit by attracting visitors and conference groups who are now put off by the lack of parking.

“Aggressive use of the new parking resource could greatly expand new business opportunities downtown,” said the report by GRC Associates Inc. of Diamond Bar.

The parking garage is considered vital to the university’s $42-million expansion effort, officials said. The new law school being built on Glassell Street will need the structure. A new chapel and an expansion of the business school will increase employment and pump up the city’s sales tax base, the consultant said.