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GREENSBORO - Downtown Greensboro will get a new, 5-story building this year.

LindBrook Development Services asked Greensboro for a $100,000 forgivable loan to buy a part of the city-owned parking lot to be used for a planned the development at the vacant lot at 324 South Elm St. The developer also wanted to lease 11 parking spots in the lot.

The City Council approved the incentive request 5-3. Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, Yvonne Johnson and Mary Rakestraw voted no. Councilwoman Goldie Wells was out of town for a funeral.

The proposed development hit hurdles, first from historic preservationist who didn't like the contemporary design and then from small business owners and property owners in the area.

Opponents said it was unfair for the city to give away a piece of the parking lot and use city money when other businesses downtown did not get the same opportunities.

"These are the people who came down here without incentives," said Simone McClinton, an area business owner. "They are the people without $3.6 million dollars to invest."

LindBrook President Jim Marshall has said construction could be underway by spring.

The $3.6 million development will include two floors of restaurant space, two for offices and a top floor with corporate apartments.

The city staff has been trying to resolve the parking concerns raised by area businesses when the City Council first considered the issue last month.

Assistant City Manager Jim Westmoreland said there are some parking spaces available nearby for monthly rental.
Downtown Greensboro Inc. officials also said they are looking to buy a parking lot in the area.

Still, Tuesday night some opponents said the parking situation and the incentive were unfair.

"The issue is not about progress or about parking. It is about a democratic principal. Is it fair to give an incentive to one property owner and take from others?" said Anna Heroy, a downtown property owner.

Council members said the development would be good for downtown, and felt the parking issues could be resolved.

"I think we can find a happy medium for these business owners and the investors," Councilman Zack Matheny said.

Johnson indicated she would vote against the incentive request because she was concerned that the design did not fit the historic nature of the area.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com.