Glendale has agreed to pay VAI Resorts at least $15 million to reserve 800 spots in the resort’s parking garage when it opens later next year.
VAI started building the 4,200-space parking garage over the summer to support its resort hotel and music venue, which is also under construction.
The city’s director of economic development says the reserved parking would attract major events to the area, as well as developers for the roughly 11 acres of city-owned land next door, although VAI has first right of refusal.
In a work session before the vote, Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff argued it was hard to justify the expense.
"We just hosted in 2023 a Super Bowl, and we also just hosted the NCAA Final Four and we parked everyone. … I just think that we’re taking on a risk that somebody, someday is going to need these parking places. We don’t have any certainty to provide the taxpayers that they’re going to get their money back," she said.
Councilmember Bart Turner was also opposed.
"The city has no pressing need for these parking spaces. We don’t know anybody that has a pressing need. I’m betting there’s a better than 50/50 chance that there won’t become a pressing need," he said.
The agreement was ultimately approved.
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