Real McCoy of Bainbridge PostScript does again a perfect job at explaining why this monster undeground garage is a very bad plan. Of course the basic key lie is that there would be a lack of parking space downtown and if there was a need (there is none) the place to consider would be T&C and the post office parking. Why was such a plan was even studied: Is fecit cui prodest. Who would profit? Two major property owners, Haggar-Scribner Properties and Sandstrom Properties who co-financed the "study".
How much would the monster garage cost? The study people tell us (pdf format) it would cost 17% less if the city was partnering with the private owners (who paid for the study). The cost per parking stall would be around $2.420 per year for 30 years. I could not figure out the total cost (there are various options): between 12 and 17 million or up much more? Pharaonic for a non-issue.
Considering the cost of building an underground parking shouldn't the city start optimizing the spaces that already exist? How much is the city getting for the parking spaces she let the Chamber of Commerce distribute (for $5 per month?) to dowtown business employees?
How much does the city lose by letting its own employees park in front of City Hall "for free" (ie at the community's expense)?
Wait for the monster garage and even higher costs :) Quo non ascendet?
In reference to the famous motto of Nicolas Fouquet whose Squirrel asked Where shall I not climb?