The City of Havre de Grace and Harford County are trying to better inform business owners and leaders about the status of construction at the jointly operated water treatment facility along the city’s waterfront. An update meeting was held June 19, in Council Chambers.

According to Roxanne Lynch, Harford County public information director, the meeting was the third one scheduled and the fourth is scheduled for July 17, same time and place.

In February, Havre de Grace Main Street, Chamber of Commerce officials and business owners were in an uproar when new signs announced the closure of downcity’s largest parking lot. City and County officials stood behind, as proper notice, a one-sentence mention on page four of a citizen-targeted newsletter published four months before construction preparations began.

Fast forward to June and an informal gathering of about 15 people representing a who’s who in Harve de Grace business interests as well as city and county government. Donna Geiger, the city’s deputy director of public works, led the meeting.

Construction is underway, but behind about a month due to rain and unexpected complications, specifically unanticipated bedrock at the site of the three-story addition to the plant.

No new parking is planned, but “we are still actively looking,” said Donald J. Bautz Jr., acting planning and zoning director and acting city planner. Bautz said that “the price became prohibitive” for previously announced efforts to secure private property for temporary parking throughout the 18-month project. Together, property owners wanted in excess of $100,000.

Larger, distinctive signs soon will point the way to existing downcity parking. Brigitte Layton, the city’s tourism director, said 17 signs should be erected after Independence Day weekend, and a billboard about parking will be erected near the BCH Realty sign on Route 155.

Business owners also shared their concerns at the meeting.

Billie Smith, owner of Distinctive Décor on St. Johns Street, asked whether serious consideration had been given to establishing a seasonal shuttle service. Lynch said Smith’s inquiry was the first she’s heard from a business owner not adjacent to the construction project.

Smith noted that the city’s new designation as an arts and entertainment district might warrant a new look at a seasonal shuttle service. Bautz indicated shuttles were tried in the city about five years ago, but left the suggestion on the table when he said, “Now that gas is $4 a gallon…”

Ralph Shapot, co-owner of the Tidewater Grille, shared his concerns about the city’s lack of transient boat parking. Although some parking is available at Tydings Park, he said it is too far from downcity. He said he has to deny requests for boats to stay docked at the Tidewater Grille to make room for other boating customers.

Bautz said a new pier near the lighthouse will offer six to 12 slips, but it is not yet open. He said his department would look into whether adding public docking at Jean Roberts Park would be feasible.

Layton said a list of available boater docking berths is listed on the city’s tourism Web site as well as in the Waterman’s guide. Shapot suggested adding docking information to all of the city’s promotional ads.

Days before the meeting, Shapot learned in a letter from County Executive David Craig and Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty that they disapproved his request to halt construction activities during the traditional lunch hour. The Tidewater Grille is adjacent to the water treatment plant and has a large outdoor dining area. The letter referenced accommodations government has already made, including moving the construction staging area to David Craig Park, improving lighting and increasing parking, also at the park.