CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance to establish a “No Parking Zone” on the north side of Highland Avenue from the centerline of Brainard Street to a point 171 feet to the east (requires six positive votes)
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Michael Prousa, TED Project Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On June 1, 2023, the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) recommended approval to establish a “No Parking Zone” on the north side of Highland Avenue from the centerline of Brainard Street to a point 171 feet to the east (approved 6-0). Staff concurs.
BACKGROUND:
The City received a request from North Central College and residents regarding the congestion at the intersection of Brainard Street and Highland Avenue caused by parked vehicles using the existing parking boxes on the north side of Highland Avenue. This section of Highland Avenue is a 23-foot local street with a posted 25 mph speed limit. The south side of Highland Avenue is designated no parking while the north side has four-hour parking from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. between Brainard Street and Loomis Street.
DISCUSSION:
City staff investigated the concern and performed field observations during peak travel times. Field observations noted these parking boxes were generally occupied, particularly during the afternoon hours. Staff noted that during the peak vehicle travel times, westbound vehicles on Highland Avenue were waiting for southbound vehicles to make the left turn onto Highland Avenue.
This proposed change will reduce the potential for conflict from vehicles entering and exiting the intersection of Brainard Street and Highland Avenue. Restrictions would be signed and enforced for all motorists, including residents of the neighborhood.
Staff distributed a neighborhood survey and exhibit on March 30, 2023 to North Central College, the residents on the north side of Highland Avenue, and the residents adjacent to the east side of Brainard Street (attached).
The survey proposed the elimination of the first parking box east of Brainard Street and to add a “No Parking” restriction. The survey response from the ten adjacent residents is summarized in the table below:
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Survey Response |
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Support |
5 |
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Oppose |
0 |
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No Response |
5 |
The results of the resident survey showed 100% of the surveyed neighborhood is in support of removing the parking box and adding a no parking zone 171 feet east of the centerline of Brainard Street. Per prior TAB guidance, a “non-response” is considered in support of the recommendation. A minimum of 60% resident support is needed for TAB consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff anticipates there being no cost to this change.