TOPEKA (KSNT) - A big infrastructure project in Topeka is underway.
Over $20 million will be spent in the next three and a half years to improve eight city-owned parking garages downtown. The funding was approved in fall of 2022. Included in the renovations are updated security cameras, pigeon-proof netting and structural improvements.
Jason Tryon, the Deputy Director of Topeka's Public Works, said the project is a needed one.
"Obviously, you can defer some of that maintenance to a degree, but it becomes a point where there's too many lights out. There's the elevators [that] people don't feel comfortable in," he said. "Where you have to decide, is it time to make an investment or is this deterioration going to start deterring people from coming downtown?"
The project is going on now, and is scheduled to be finished just days before the beginning of 2028. However, some locals I spoke with said that taxpayer money could be better spent in other areas.
Some locals 27 News spoke with were happy with the improvements they’ve seen so far, and look forward to the safer feeling that security cameras and working elevators gives them.
However, others like Topeka resident Shaun Cunningham, said that taxpayer money could be better spent in other areas.
"I think a lot of the money should go for just repairing the streets and all around the parking garages. It seems like it needs more work than [the garages]. At least, give up some kind of money to help to help society, you know," Cunningham said.
Cunningham, a double-amputee, said one of his wheelchair wheels broke off when he hit a hole in the sidewalk downtown. Until it gets fixed, he said he can't get around easily.
The city tells 27 News the construction shouldn't close any more buildings completely, other than the currently shut down Uptowner garage, and price impacts for parking are still being discussed.
According to the city, these are the estimated location costs (inflation adjusted) for the parking garage renovations:
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