Commissioners seeking additional court building parking

Anticipating a loss of parking with a likely addition to the west side of its courts building, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners is hoping to secure a new parking area at a nearby parcel.
Members of the county board during a work session last week agreed to continue discussions with a property owner at 205 Dean St. in hopes of acquiring the parcel.
The so-called Webb property is southeast of the courts building, across the street from the courthouse’s south lot.
County administrator Pat Yoder said the parcel’s market value is $55,800.
In his preliminary conversation with the property owner, Yoder said $65,000 is being sought.
He said the parcel has generous proportions, measuring 165-by-70 feet. Yoder said the space would more than make up for the parking spaces that would be lost in the courthouse’s west lot.
Commissioners did not object to the $65,000 request and advised Yoder to continue dialogue with the Webb family.