The Odessa City Council will consider allocating $1 million in hotel occupancy taxes to Odessa College for a downtown revitalization project during its regular meeting Tuesday night.
The college and city would like to establish a downtown community space at 222 E. Fourth St. and envision providing a shady, turfed area for events where there will also be food trucks and a splash pad. Phase 2 could include an area for a college-level culinary and entrepreneurial program.
Recently, Odessa College Vice President of Administrative Services Ken Zartner told the city council about 75% of the construction documents for the OC Downtown Project are finished.
Odessa City Manager Michael Marrero said judging from last week’s workshop discussion, he believes the council will have no problem allocating money toward the project.
“On this particular project, given that we have such a great partnership with Odessa College, I think everyone sees the benefit of doing it,” Marrero said. “It’ll be great for downtown.”
The council is also expected to discuss moving forward with plans to turn a property across the street from the downtown project into a parking lot, Marrero said.
The city has long recognized the need for additional parking and the city acquired the property a few years ago, Marrero said. The city eliminated an old tire shop and the former Odessa American building at 222 E. Fourth St. at the same time.
