In the words of today’s youth: that escalated quickly.

Plans to transform a vacant lot near the Mineola train depot into a downtown parking and community gathering space hit a funding shortfall after the construction bid came in at $547,000.

The preliminary estimate for paving, base material, concrete work and tree removal was around $104,000 (fencing and lighting not included).

The Mineola Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) board voted Thursday, Nov. 5, to move forward with a public hearing on a possible $250,000 contribution toward the Clariday Parking Lot/Bailey Plaza project on Front Street.

The vote does not authorize an expenditure or award a construction contract; the project would need additional approvals, and city officials must determine how to pay the remaining construction costs.

City Manager and MEDC Director Cindy Karch said Mineola previously set aside around $100,000 for the project.  If the MEDC commits the $250,000, the city still needs around $197,000 to cover the construction bid, with additional sidewalk work potentially adding to the cost.

Karch said the project could be delayed or redesigned if the remaining funding can’t be secured before the bid expires.

During the meeting, Karch discussed pursuing grants, donations and other possible funding. She also raised the possibility of reworking the project into phases if the full amount can’t be obtained.

The project has been in development for more than a year. City crews had planned to prepare the lot themselves, but drainage and grading challenges required professional engineering. Schaumburg and Polk Inc. engineers produced construction plans including parking, landscaping, lighting and infrastructure for community activities including hookups for food trucks and electric vehicle charging stations.

“What I don’t want in our beautiful downtown is an asphalt parking lot,” Karch told the Monitor after Thursday’s meeting.

Plans include more than 40 parking spaces, historic-style lighting, native trees, a stamped concrete courtyard and seating areas for community gatherings and downtown events.

 Additional phases would incorporate two existing buildings on the property: one to be renovated into A.R.T. House, a youth arts and outreach program operated by Flint & Steel; and another to be partially demolished, preserving two historic brick walls, and turned into an open-air performance area for concerts and festivals. These improvements are separate from the parking lot bid.

The MEDC board’s vote allows the public hearing process to move forward while the city continues exploring funding options. Karch said that no contract has been awarded and the proposed MEDC contribution remains subject to review and approval, including action by the Mineola City Council.

Director Jason Ray cast the lone opposing vote.

For more information, visit mineola.com.