It might be a little easier to find a parking spot in Fenton this winter.

The Fenton Downtown Development Authority had planned to expand the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum parking lot behind 106 Shiawassee Street, but budget restraints previously prevented them from completing the project. However, after awarding the Clarkston Union $100,000 for the old Fenton Fire Hall Project, instead of the original $400,000 slated for renovation aid, the funds may be available for crews to move ahead with the project.

Officials hope to install the lots this fall, so there will be additional parking for the opening of the Fenton Fire Hall and the Downtown Streetscape Project. They also plan to put parking spots at the former Fenton Square, the grassy area on the east side of Leroy Street near Caroline Street. The lots would add more than 50 parking spaces to the area.

The DDA approved $9,000 for the city's engineering firm, OHM, to begin researching the projects at Tuesday's meeting. The total cost of the project would be $193,823.

DDA member Terry Green, owner of Billmeier Camera Shop, voiced his concerns that as a business owner it seemed like a lot of money for 50 or 60 spots.

The land is city owned and the projects must be approved by the Fenton City Council.