City Hall parking lot sold to RCB fenced and gated

I just heard from someone who had business at City Hall that he needed to park on the street and was told by a city employee that the parking near 5th street lot was sold to a bank. It is locked and fenced.

I contacted City of Eureka Manager Miles Slattery and Assistant City Manager and City Clerk Pam Powell. Both responded right away.

"This was the property transfer with Pierson. He sold the City’s lots to Redwood Capital Bank, " said Mr. Slattery. Ms. Powell sent me the email sent to City staff which has more details. 

I contacted RCB CEO John Dalby and asked him, "Could you clarify what RCB using the lot for their own use means and why it is fenced and gated?"

Email to City staff:

As you may know, the City’s Housing Plan calls for the City to utilize its parking lots for low-income housing in downtown Eureka.  In May of 2021 the City issued notices that we were going to request housing RFP’s for lots at 4th and G; 5th and H; and 5th and K Streets.  Redwood Capital Bank contacted the City regarding those lots and their desire to purchase the lots and have them remain as parking.  They offered to purchase property located west of Fairfield Street between Henderson and Harris Streets.  This new area would allow for additional housing units and was located near schools and other amenities. 

Redwood Capital Bank closed escrow on the three parking lots in December of 2022.  You may have noticed new signs in the parking lot at 5th and K Street.  RCB has notified the City that they will be utilizing the parking lot for their own use and will be fencing and gating the parking lot on Friday, March 31st. "

Beginning on Monday, April 3rd, staff will need to utilize the lot at 6th and M; the lot at 6th and L; and on street parking.  The Transportation Safety Commission will be re-evaluating the 2 hour parking that currently exists on 6th Street and the east side of K Street to allow for longer parking periods.  Please leave the K Street parking available for our City Hall customers as it will remain 2 hour parking.